Items Similar to Antique Insect Prints: Small Vibrant Engravings of Bugs, Leaves & Flowers, 1832
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
Antique Insect Prints: Small Vibrant Engravings of Bugs, Leaves & Flowers, 1832
About the Item
Rare Antique Insect Engravings: 19th-Century Natural History Trio with Vibrant Colors
This set of three original antique engravings originates from Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelm’s celebrated *Unterhaltungen aus der Naturgeschichte*, published in 1832. These prints capture the fascinating world of insects and their intricate relationship with plants, showcasing both scientific accuracy and artistic beauty. Wilhelm’s monumental 25-volume natural history series, spanning from 1777 to the early 1800s, featured 1,469 detailed illustrations crafted by Augsburg’s renowned engravers—masters of the European Image Factory.
Based on the engravings, here are some potential identifications of the creatures and plants depicted:
1. The first print includes a variety of beetles, such as leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionidae), alongside larvae and pupae stages. The plant depicted appears to be a leafy plant, possibly a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), with damage characteristic of insect feeding.
2. The second print features insects like a wasp (possibly Ichneumonidae), flies (Diptera), and a red mite (Acari). The flower resembles a pink carnation (Dianthus), an ornamental plant known for its intricate petals.
3. The third print shows various ants (Formicidae) and winged insects, likely wasps or parasitic insects, alongside a plant leaf infested with aphids (Aphididae). The detailed leaf with aphids suggests an ecological interaction between ants and aphids, a symbiotic relationship in nature.
These identifications showcase the intricate relationships between insects and their host plants, highlighting the engravings’ scientific and artistic value. The depictions provide an insight into 19th-century naturalists’ observations of ecosystems and species interactions.
Each engraving employs the traditional copperplate printing technique, painstakingly hand-colored to achieve vibrant hues and fine detail. This labor-intensive process required meticulous craftsmanship, resulting in illustrations that are not only scientifically significant but also visually captivating. These prints offer a rare glimpse into 19th-century entomological studies, blending art and science seamlessly.
What makes this trio especially intriguing is its harmonious composition: each print balances the detailed depiction of insects, plants, and natural elements, offering both aesthetic appeal and historical context. Whether as a collector’s item or a statement piece in a home or office, these prints tell a story of curiosity and discovery during a pivotal era of scientific exploration.
Condition: The prints are in very good condition with minor age-related toning, typical of their time, and sharp, clear impressions.
Framing Tips: To highlight their historical significance, choose neutral archival mats and gold or dark wood frames. Float-mounting can emphasize their antique charm, while UV-protective glass will help preserve their vibrant hand coloring. These prints work beautifully as a set or individually, bringing a timeless elegance to any interior.
- Dimensions:Height: 4.34 in (11 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 0.02 in (0.5 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 3
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1832
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Condition: The prints are in very good condition with minor age-related toning, typical of their time, and sharp, clear impressions.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13292-170, -171, -1721stDibs: LU3054343556372
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,452 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllSmall History Prints Showing Crustaceans, Marine Life and Detailed Insects, 1832
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Rare Antique Natural History Prints Featuring Crustaceans, Marine Life, and Detailed Insects
Description: This exquisite set of four original antique prints offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of natural history as illustrated in the 19th century. Published in 1832, these hand-colored engravings are part of Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelm’s monumental work "Unterhaltungen aus der Naturgeschichte," a series that spanned 25 volumes and showcased the unrivaled craftsmanship of Augsburg’s famed engravers.
Each print is a stunning representation of marine life, insects, and their detailed anatomical features, brought to life through the meticulous copperplate engraving technique. The vibrant hand-coloring adds depth and realism, showcasing creatures like lobsters, crabs, and other crustaceans in unparalleled detail. Highlights include an intricate depiction of mantis shrimps and their segmented bodies, as well as antlion larvae set against textural sand environments. These illustrations were not only artistic achievements but also served as scientific documentation during a time when the natural world was being explored and categorized.
The engravings' sharp lines and vivid hues reveal the precision and dedication of the artisans involved. The natural history genre remains a beloved subject among collectors, making this set both a beautiful decorative piece and a valuable addition to any antique print collection...
Category
Antique 1830s Prints
Materials
Paper
Small and Rare Natural History Prints Featuring Insects and Plants, 1832
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Rare 19th-Century Natural History Prints Featuring Insects and Plants
Description: This set of four original antique prints offers a captivating glimpse into the rich detail ...
Category
Antique 1830s Prints
Materials
Paper
Arachnid & Insect Engravings: Stunning Hand-Colored Natural History Art, 1832
Located in Langweer, NL
Rare Antique Natural History Prints: Arachnids and Insects in Stunning Detail
This set of three small original antique engravings from 1832 showcases the fascinating world of arac...
Category
Antique 1830s Prints
Materials
Paper
Small Natural History Prints: Insects and Life Cycles in Exquisite Detail, 1832
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Stunning Antique Natural History Prints: Insects and Life Cycles in Exquisite Detail
Description: This set of four original antique prints, published in 1832, offers a capt...
Category
Antique 1830s Prints
Materials
Paper
Rare Antique Natural History Prints: Fascinating Insects and Life Cycles, 1832
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Rare Antique Natural History Prints: Fascinating Insects and Life Cycles
Description:
This set of four small original antique prints from 1832 offers an extraordinary gli...
Category
Antique 1830s Prints
Materials
Paper
Exquisite Antique Natural History Prints: Insects, Larvae, and Life Cycles, 1832
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Exquisite Antique Natural History Prints: Insects, Larvae, and Life Cycles
Description: This set of four original antique prints from 1832 is a captivating exploration of ...
Category
Antique 1830s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Original Antique Animal Prints, Bugs/Beetles, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great images of beetles
Unframed.
Lithographs after Cpt. Brown with original hand color.
Published, 1847.
The measurement is for 1 print
Free shipping
Category
Antique 1840s English Folk Art Prints
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Print of An Aristocratic Family After Van Dyck. Dated 1832
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image after Van Dyck
Fine Steel engraving.
Published by Fisher. Dated 1832
Unframed.
Category
Antique 1830s English Renaissance Prints
Materials
Paper
Original Vintage Print of A Cicadia Bug By E.J Detmold. C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image by E.J Detmold
Tipped in plate. On paper
Lithograph.
Published C.1920
The measurement given is the paper size not the actual printed image.
Category
Vintage 1920s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique French Madam Knipp Engraving of Pigeon
Located in Downingtown, PA
Madam Knipp engraving of pigeon,
From Les pigeons par Madame Knip, ne´e Pauline de Courcelles ; le texte par C.J. Themminck,
Paris France,
1809-1811.
A remarkable large engraving of a pigeon- The Colombe Ramier or Columba Cenea or Wood Pigeon floating within a gilt frame and white matte and with UV Tru-view Clear UV Glass.
From a large collection of framed...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Georgian Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Original Early 20th Century Antique French “La Lionnel” Engraving Print
Located in Miami, FL
A fine antique French engraving print from well listed print house Frick et Fils Paris. In very good condition consistent with age and materials. The details are remarkable.
This...
Category
Early 20th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Prune and Floral Print Royale PJ Redoute Print of Fruit and Leaves Unframed
By Pierre-Joseph Redouté
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful summer fruit print or engraving by Langlois. Featuring ripe purple prunes with bright and dark green foliage.
The inscription reads Prune Royale, P.J. Redoute -114 on the ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Prints
Materials
Paper
$500 Sale Price
44% Off