SEPP, Ian Christiaan

SEPP, Ian Christiaan. Beschouwing der wonderen Gods, in de minstgeachtste schepzelen of Nederlandsche insecten (Vol. II)

Amsterdam, by J. C. Sepp en Zoon, 1777; 1786; 1787; 1795.

 

£2,200

 

FIRST EDITION. 4to, only volume 2 ex 8, with four dated title-pages; 48 hand-coloured engraved and lithographed plates, mostly folding. Several attractive tail pieces. 1 hand-coloured engraved and lithographed frontispiece, title page with vignette. Contemporary sprinkled half calf over sprinkled brown paper over boards. Black and orange spine labels with gilt lettering. Some wear to spine, edges and margins of text, otherwise an excellent uncut copy, clean and fresh.

First edition of “[what] has become the most important work on Dutch Lepidoptera” (Landwehr 182). Sepp both wrote and illustrated the work, using his own collection of preserved butterflies, caterpillars and chrysalides. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful works on butterflies to be produced.

Hagen Bibliotheca Entomologica II p. 152-153; Horn & Schenkling 20145; Landwehr 182; Nissen ZBI, 3808.