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LG Klinger (engraver)
Esper Antique 18th century Moth engraving with original hand-colouring

C1780

About the Item

A German copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring of a moth, caterpillars and chrysalis. Printed on hand made laid paper. Engraved by JC Bock. From Eugenius Esper's "Die Schmetterlinge in Abbildungen Nach de Natur', published in Nuremberg from 1776 to 1807. Eugenius Esper (1742 – 1810) was a German entomologist. He directed the department of natural history in Erlangen from 1805. Thanks to him the university collections of minerals, birds, plants, shells and insects grew very rapidly. He was the author of 'Die Schmetterlinge in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen' which was published between 1776 and 1807. It recorded minerals, birds, plants, shells and insects being presented on 438 hand-coloured plates. 235mm by 180mm (platemark). The platemark is the indented line around the image where the printing plate originally pressed in the paper as it went through the press.
  • Creator:
  • Creation Year:
    C1780
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.04 in (25.5 cm)Width: 7.68 in (19.5 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Superb original hand-colouring. The engraving is in good condition. One small mark to the left of the moth.
  • Gallery Location:
    Melbourne, AU
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1244211204312
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