Amsterdam, J. C. Sepp & Zoon, 1860-1870. 79 folio sheets (26.5 x 21.3 cm), numbered V-L (first part), and I-XXXIII (second part).

A collection of proof (pattern) plates of one of the most important works on Dutch butterflies and moths, written by the Dutch entomologist Samuel Constant Snellen van Vollenhoven (1816-1880). All plates approved as examples for colouring, and signed by Snellen in pencil or ink, except a few signed by the Dutch engraver, Abraham Jacobus Wendel (1826-1915) (Series I, Plate XXIII, XXIV, XXXV, XXXVI) "model ter keuring" (example to be judged). Plate XXIX of the second series is not coloured and (therefore) not signed. Interestingly, a tiny figure on Plate 30 of the first series is finely coloured, but Snellen wrote "behoeft niet gekleurd te worden" (does not need to be coloured). These pattern plates all show western European moths (all occurring in the Netherlands), their caterpillars, eggs, pupae, and fodder plant. Edges sometimes a bit frayed or minimally chipped, one plate (Series 2, XXX) smaller; some general, light toning, a few with small spots or smudges, but generally clean and in all a very well-preserved set, revealing much about the genesis of this work. Horn-Schenkling, 22868; Horn-Schenkling II, p. 347; Landwehr, 202 [published editions].