Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

The Beauty of Transformation: Engraving of Butterflies and Their Life Cycles

About the Item

Title: "The Beauty of Transformation: Hand-Colored 19th-Century Engraving of Butterflies and Their Life Stages" Description: This vibrant 19th-century engraving captures the fascinating life cycle of butterflies, featuring meticulously hand-colored illustrations of adult butterflies, caterpillars, and chrysalises. Each stage of transformation is depicted with remarkable attention to detail, showcasing the diversity and beauty of these delicate creatures. Figures include: 1. Figure 1a: A striking butterfly with deep blue and orange markings, likely a species of the *Apatura* or purple emperor family. 2. Figure 1b: A colorful butterfly with red, white, and black patterns, showcasing its intricate wing design. 3. Figure 1c and 1e: The larval stage, with green and blue caterpillars, highlighting the diversity in shape and texture. 4. Figure 1d: A chrysalis in shades of deep blue, representing the transformative stage of the butterfly. 5. Figure 2a and 2b: A white butterfly with black spots and red eye-like markings, likely a species of *Parnassius* or Apollo butterflies. 6. Figure 2c: A black and red caterpillar resting on a green leaf, emphasizing the vibrant colors and patterns of this developmental stage. The engraving exemplifies the blend of scientific observation and artistic expression characteristic of early natural history collections. Its detailed depictions offer a glimpse into the marvels of entomology during a time when the natural world was documented with reverence and precision. Condition: The engraving is in very good condition with minimal age-related foxing and slight edge discoloration. The colors remain vivid and well-preserved, adding to the overall charm of the piece. Advice on presentation: 1. Frame the engraving in a simple wooden frame with a light finish to emphasize its natural theme. Use acid-free matting in a soft cream tone to protect the artwork. 2. Display alongside other natural history engravings for a curated gallery wall focused on insects or botanical themes. 3. If not framing, store in an archival-quality portfolio to preserve its condition while allowing for careful study. 4. Include a descriptive plaque or caption with scientific details about the butterflies and their life cycle. This piece is perfect for collectors, naturalists, or anyone with a passion for the beauty of the natural world. Its vivid depiction of metamorphosis captures both the art and science of entomology.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.06 in (23 cm)Width: 7.49 in (19 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1805
  • Condition:
    The engraving is well-preserved with age-related foxing due to age and handling and light discoloration typical of its time. The paper remains stable, and the colors are vibrant, retaining their original charm. Please study the images carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14000-391stDibs: LU3054342875152

More From This Seller

View All
Life Cycle of Moths and Caterpillars: Stages of Transformation, Bertuch, 1805
Located in Langweer, NL
Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar 1, lappet moth, Gastropacha quercifolia 2, and plum lappet moth, Odonestis pruni 3, with caterpillar and pupa. Title: "Life Cycle of Moths and Caterpill...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Beautiful 1805 Hand-Colored Engraving of Butterfly Life Cycle from Bertuch
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Beautiful 1805 Hand-Colored Engraving of Butterfly Life Cycle from Bertuch’s Work Description: This enchanting hand-colored engraving is from Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s *...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Wings of the Night: Hand-Colored 1856 Litho of Exotic Moths and Their Life Cycle
Located in Langweer, NL
Wings of the Night: Hand-Colored 1856 Lithograph of Exotic Moths and Their Life Cycle Description: This stunning hand-colored lithograph from 1856 is a fine example of 19th-cent...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Handcolored Engraving of Silkworm Life Cycle, c.1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Handcolored Engraving of Silkworm Life Cycle, Insects I, c.1800 This original handcolored copperplate engraving depicts the life cycle of the silkworm (*Bombyx mori*), hig...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

1848 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Butterfly Life Cycle
Located in Langweer, NL
1848 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Butterfly Life Cycle – An Exquisite Study of Metamorphosis and Natural Beauty This hand-colored lithograph from 1848 captures the life cycle of a but...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Intricate Insect Life Cycle and Habitats: Hand-Colored Engraving, Bertuch, 1805
Located in Langweer, NL
This captivating hand-colored copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s *Bilderbuch für Kinder* (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar in 1805, provides a fasci...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

A.A De Correggio Engraving of the Virgin and the Child
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful engraving representing "The Virgin and Child with Saints Jerome and Maire-Madeliane", after an oil on canvas by Antonio Allegri of Correggio (1489-1534), master of the renaissance, engraved by Robert Strange...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Italian "Butterfly" Print Press Engraving Pure Silver Leaf, 1 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
"Butterflies an Roses" are a very valuable botanical handcrafted prints, made on a special cotton paper. The technique of printing on silver leaf is our reinterpretation of an ancien...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Prints

Materials

Silver Leaf

Contemporary Italian "Butterfly" Print Press Engraving Pure Silver Leaf, 2 of 2
Located in Scandicci, Florence
"Butterflies an Roses" are a very valuable botanical handcrafted prints, made on a special cotton paper. The technique of printing on silver leaf is our reinterpretation of an ancien...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Prints

Materials

Silver Leaf

After Knorr, Butterflies And Birds, Colored Framed Engravings, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of colorful naturalist engravings depicting 4 species of hummingbirds with a nest and butterflies (7 species), from the collection of specimens of the Museum of Johann Ambrosius Beurer (Ex Museo Beureriano) Engravings after George Wolfgang Knorr...
Category

Antique 19th Century German Beaux Arts Prints

Materials

Paper

French Engraving "The Monument"
Located in Carmel, CA
"The Monument" W H Toms, scup (engraver) Plate size; 13.75 X 8.25 Frame size: 23.5 X 18 The print is hand colored, and framed with museum grade mat and carved frame.
Category

Antique 1790s Louis XVI Prints

The First of September "Morning" Engraving, 1799
Located in Carmel, CA
Mezzotint engraving, 1799, The First of September, after painting by George Moreland. Moreland was a noted London landscape and genre painter. By the...
Category

Antique 1790s English Georgian Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All