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1845 Entomological Treasury: A Detailed Study of Insect Diversity

About the Item

A set of four antique engravings from the year 1845, depicting various insects in a detailed and hand-colored manner. These illustrations are from a scientific publication or a natural history book of that period, where such detailed engravings were common for the study and documentation of biodiversity. Each image presents a series of different insects, labeled with numbers and sometimes names, which indicate their species or common names in French. The illustrations include various stages of the insects' life cycles and may also show anatomical details or characteristics unique to each species. The colors appear to be applied by hand, which was a common practice before the advent of color printing. The precision of these engravings suggests they were done by a skilled artist, often with a background in both art and natural sciences, to accurately portray the subjects for scientific and educational purposes. The paper shows signs of aging, with a yellowish tint and possibly some foxing (brown spots), which adds to the authenticity of these engravings as historical artifacts. They are an excellent example of the merging of art and science in the 19th century, providing a window into the past study of entomology and the techniques used for scientific illustration at that time. This print not only serves as a scientific record but also as a work of art, reflecting the dual interests of the Victorian era in both natural history and illustration. It is a remarkable piece that would be a significant addition to any collection of natural history art or an elegant decorative piece for those with a taste for the historic and the natural world. The style of the illustration is reminiscent of 19th-century scientific prints, which were often used in natural history books to document various species. More info on the book in which it was published: The 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' by Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez stands as a remarkable testament to 19th-century natural sciences. Published in Brussels in 1845, this work represents an expansive collation of knowledge, building upon the pioneering works of Buffon, Daubenton, Lacepede, Cuvier, de Jussieu, and other influential naturalists. The prints within this compendium likely showcase a rich amalgamation of artistic precision and scientific accuracy. Drapiez, himself a Belgian naturalist, would have aimed for detailed representations of flora, fauna, and scientific phenomena, mirroring the illustrative styles prevalent during his time. Given the era's emphasis on illustration, these prints were likely engraved meticulously, possibly portraying intricate anatomical details or lifelike depictions of the natural world. With Drapiez's background in natural history, the prints might bear testament to his commitment to scientific authenticity, aiming to educate and inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike. These engravings would have complemented the text, offering visual aids that elucidate the concepts and specimens discussed in the volume. Overall, the prints of 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles' likely serve as both artistic representations and invaluable scientific resources, encapsulating the essence of 19th-century natural history exploration and documentation. The uploaded images are detailed antique engravings of various insects, with annotations in French that identify each one. While I can describe the types of insects depicted based on their general appearance, the precise identification would typically require a clear view of the text annotations and detailed aspects of their morphology. However, I can provide a general identification based on visible characteristics: 1. **Hymenoptera Wings (Ailes d'Hyménoptères)**: This would include various species of bees, wasps, and ants. Hymenoptera is a large order of insects that includes these species, characterized by two pairs of wings, with the forewings larger than the hind wings, and a constriction between the thorax and abdomen. 2. **Coleoptera (Beetles)**: This order of insects is characterized by hard forewings and a wide variety of shapes and colors. They are the largest order of insects, with more than 350,000 described species. 3. **Various Fly Species (Diptera)**: Flies are characterized by having only one pair of wings, with the second pair reduced to small structures called halteres that are used for balance. 4. **Ladybugs and other Beetles (Coccinellidae and other Coleoptera)**: Ladybugs are known for their distinctive colors and spots. Other beetles in the same order may vary greatly in shape, size, and coloration. These engravings were often used in the 19th century as educational tools and for scientific documentation, and the level of detail they provide was crucial for the study of entomology at the time. Each species is typically labeled with a number corresponding to a name or description, which provides more specific information about the depicted species.

Dimensions:

Height: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Width: 6.7 in (17 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)

Sold As:

Set of 4

Materials and Techniques:

Paper,Engraved

Period:

1840-1849

Date of Manufacture:

1845

Condition:

Condition: Fair. Overal toning and some foxing. The images itself clean and hand-colored in expliciet colors. Offset from a opposite text plate in the original book. Left side rough from the cutting of the book. Please study scan carefully.

Seller Location:

Langweer, NL

Reference Number:

Seller: BG-13261-72, -61, -71, -701stDibs: LU3054337751422

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