Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

Entomological Elegance: A Collection of 19th Century Beetle Engravings

About the Item

The images are finely detailed engravings of beetles from a 19th-century scientific collection. Each beetle is rendered with precision, showcasing their unique physical characteristics, such as the segmentation of their bodies, the texture of their carapaces, the patterns and colors of their wing covers (elytra), and the varying shapes and lengths of their antennae and legs. The species, as labeled in the engravings, are as follows: From the first image: 1. **Apidie** - Possibly a reference to the Apidae family, which includes bees, but in this context, it likely refers to a type of beetle. 2. **Attelabe** - Likely a variant of the name for beetles in the family Attelabidae, known as leaf-rolling beetles. 3. **Bousier** - Common French name for dung beetles, which are part of the Scarabaeidae family. 4. **Cétoine** - Refers to beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, known as flower beetles. 5. **Geotrupe** - A genus of earth-boring dung beetles. 6. **Hanneton** - Common French name for beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, particularly the June beetles or May bugs. 7. **Oryctes** - A genus that includes the rhinoceros beetles. 8. **Trichie** - Refers to beetles in the genus Trichius, which are often found in flowers and resemble small bumblebees. From the second image: 1. **Attelabe** - Again, likely referring to the Attelabidae family of leaf-rolling beetles. 2. **Calosoma** - A genus of ground beetles known for their predatory habits, particularly on caterpillars. 3. **Carabe** - Refers to the ground beetles of the family Carabidae. 4. **Cicindèle** - Known as tiger beetles, this genus is noted for its speed and predatory efficiency. 5. **Scarites** - A genus of ground beetles known for their distinctive appearance and burrowing lifestyle. 6. **Staphylin** - Refers to the rove beetles of the family Staphylinidae, which have very short elytra and an elongated abdomen. These names might not be entirely accurate according to modern taxonomy, and some may be antiquated or regional terms for these beetles. Each species is beautifully represented, likely intended for educational or scientific purposes to highlight the biodiversity of beetles and their importance in various ecosystems. 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.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Width: 6.7 in (17 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1845
  • Condition:
    Good, especially considering their age. No tears or significant creases. The prints are well-preserved with vibrant colors and clear details, showing some age-related discoloration and minimal foxing.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13261-65, BG-13261-681stDibs: LU3054337684502

More From This Seller

View All
Entomological Elegance: An Original Antique Catalogue of Beetles, 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique hand-colored print depicting various beetles. Each beetle is meticulously illustrated, likely hand-colored after printing, which was the style of the mid-19th century scientific illustrations. The image includes a key at the bottom, which provides the names of the beetles in French, such as "SPHENOQNCATHE primordie" and "PHILODTE de humboldt," among others. (see below). These illustrations were part of an entomological reference in "Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles" by Pierre Auguste Joseph Drapiez. These beetles would have been represented to aid in the scientific study and categorization of insect species...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Variegated Elegance: A Collection of 19th Century Botanical Prints
Located in Langweer, NL
These prints are from "Les Plantes à Feuillage Coloré," specifically from the second volume, published in Paris in 1880, with J. Rothschild as the publisher. Each print showcases a different plant species with distinct variegated foliage: 1. The first print shows a leaf of the Phormium tenax, commonly known as New Zealand flax. The leaf is long and arching, with a green base color and prominent red marginal stripes. The central vein is also red, and the texture of the leaf is suggested through fine parallel lines indicating the fibrous nature of the flax. 2. The second print illustrates a leaf of the Maranta leuconeura, also known as prayer plant...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

Collection of 19th-Century Hand-Colored Engravings of Famous Racehorses, c.1830
Located in Langweer, NL
The prints depict a series of well-known horses from the early 19th century, each carefully illustrated to highlight the horse's unique features and importance in equestrian history....
Category

Antique 1830s Prints

Materials

Paper

Beetles of the Early 19th Century: A Cuvier Collection from 'The Animal Kingdom'
Located in Langweer, NL
This image is an original antique print from a plate labeled "Pl. 50" featuring six different species of beetles, each meticulously illustrated. The title provided, "Phrenapates Benn...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Floral Elegance: A Collection of Hand-Colored Engravings from 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
The engravings presented here are exquisite botanical illustrations from the 'Dictionnaire Classique des Sciences Naturelles', an authoritative work published in Brussels in 1845 und...
Category

Antique 1870s Prints

Materials

Paper

Garden Elegance: A Triptych of 19th Century Botanical Illustrations, 1896
Located in Langweer, NL
"Garden Elegance: A Triptych of 19th Century Botanical Illustrations" Delight in the timeless beauty of nature with "Garden Elegance," an exquisite collection of three original anti...
Category

Antique 1890s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Temple Of Edfu, Framed Engraving 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Edfou or "Apollonopolis Magna" large framed engraving of the temple, "perspective view of the pilone and the courtyard of the great temple" Engraving which bears the mentions "Selli...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Prints

Materials

Paper

19th Century Beverley Morris Engraving
Located in High Point, NC
British Game Birds and Wildfowl. Lithograph of the Pink Footed Goose from 1891, by Beverley R. Morris, MD. with original hand coloring. Professionally matted and framed.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Wood, Paint, Paper

Pair of Steel Engraving from the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of steel engraving from the 19th century “Le Depart Du Courier” and " L’Arrive du Courrier” dedicated to Madame la Marquise de Montesquieu.
Category

Antique 19th Century French Romantic Prints

Materials

Paper

19th Century F.O. Morris Engraving of a Spotted Sandpiper
Located in High Point, NC
Mid-19th century hand-colored copper engraving of a Spotted Sandpiper. This is from his collection of British birds.
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Suite of 5 Framed Engravings, Antique Scenes, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Suite of 5 Framed Engravings, Antique Scenes, 19th Century. Suite of 5 framed antique engravings from the 19th century, depicting scenes in ...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Prints

Materials

Paper

19th Century Botanical Engravings of flowers and insects
Located in Seaford, GB
Pair of 19th-century British plant botanicals Engravings with Insects – John Curtis (1791-1862) Sold as a pair -  Please let us know your choice on your purchase order: 1 - Dandeli...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All