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

The Life Cycle of the Giant Silk Moth: Stunning Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1852

$189.70per item
£141.26per item
€160per item
CA$260.66per item
A$291.73per item
CHF 152.26per item
MX$3,557.59per item
NOK 1,948.72per item
SEK 1,844.71per item
DKK 1,217.94per item
Quantity
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

The Life Cycle of the Giant Silk Moth Hand-Colored Lithograph from 1852 This exquisite hand-colored lithograph from 1852 showcases the majestic beauty of the giant silk moth in remarkable detail. A masterpiece of 19th-century entomological illustration, this print captures the complete life cycle of this fascinating species, from caterpillar to cocoon to fully developed adult moth. The composition is both scientifically accurate and artistically elegant, making it an exceptional example of natural history illustration. Two giant silk moths dominate the scene, their wings spread wide to reveal intricate patterns in shades of brown, cream, and iridescent blue and red. These striking moths rest against a lush botanical backdrop, highlighting their delicate relationship with the plant world. Below them, a procession of vividly colored green caterpillars with blue spiky projections crawls along a branch, emphasizing the remarkable transformation process. At the bottom of the image, the cocoon stages are carefully depicted, from the soft silk nest to the hardened protective shell and the deep red pupa inside. Moth and Life Cycle Descriptions: The giant silk moths display large, beautifully patterned wings with distinctive eyespots that serve as a defense mechanism against predators. Their earthy brown coloration is accented by undulating cream-colored borders, giving them an almost regal appearance. The caterpillars are vividly detailed, featuring bright green bodies covered in striking blue spiky projections. This phase of development highlights their defensive adaptations before they enter the pupal stage. The cocoons at the bottom of the illustration illustrate different stages of transformation. The first shows the soft silk casing woven by the larva, while the second presents a hardened outer shell. The final depiction reveals the deep red pupa inside, marking the last step before the moth emerges. Attribution and Date: Created in 1852, this lithograph is part of a 19th-century natural history series documenting the diversity of moths and butterflies. The artwork was produced using fine lithographic techniques, with hand-applied coloring that enhances both the accuracy and aesthetic appeal of the print. These scientific illustrations were essential for educating naturalists and collectors about the metamorphosis of various Lepidoptera species. Condition Summary: This print is in good condition for its age, with well-preserved colors and only minor signs of age toning. The paper remains crisp, and the intricate hand-coloring is vivid and intact. Mounted with a decorative border, this artwork is ready for framing and display. Framing Tips: To best preserve and showcase this antique lithograph, consider using UV-protective glass to prevent fading. A dark wood or gold frame will complement the moths’ natural tones and enhance the vintage character of the piece. Acid-free matting is recommended to protect the paper and maintain its archival quality. A floating mount can further emphasize the delicate details of the illustration, making it a standout piece in any collection. This rare and meticulously detailed lithograph is an exceptional find for collectors of antique entomology prints, natural history enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the artistry of 19th-century scientific illustration.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.78 in (35 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1856
  • Condition:
    This print is in good condition for its age, with well-preserved colors and only minor signs of age toning. The paper remains crisp, and the intricate hand-coloring is vivid and intact. Tipped in with a small tape in a protective decorative paper.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13836-951stDibs: LU3054343967612

More From This Seller

View All
19th-Century Hand-Colored Lithograph of Giant Moths and Silkworm Life Cycle
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 19th-Century Hand-Colored Lithograph of Giant Moths and Silkworm Life Cycle – A Masterpiece in Natural History Art Description: This exquisite 19th-century hand-colored li...
Category

Antique 1850s 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

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

1863 Hand-Colored Lithograph of European Hawk Moths and Caterpillars
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1863 Hand-Colored Lithograph of European Hawk Moths and Caterpillars – A Study of Life Cycles and Host Plants Description: This detailed 1863 hand-colored lithograph illu...
Category

Antique 1860s Prints

Materials

Paper

Wings of Elegance: Hand-Colored 1849 Lithograph of Exotic Butterflies
Located in Langweer, NL
Wings of Elegance: Hand-Colored 1849 Lithograph of Exotic Butterflies from Carl Hoffmann’s 'Book of the World' This captivating hand-colored lithograph from Carl Hoffmann’s 'Book of...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Silkworm Metamorphosis: Hand-Colored Engraving from Bertuch's "Bilderbuch, 1792
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Silkworm Metamorphosis: Hand-Colored Engraving from Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (1792) Description: This beautifully detailed hand-colored copperplate engraving from ...
Category

Antique 1790s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

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

Tortoise-shell Butterfly, Hawk Moth: Antique Hand-colored Engraving by M. Harris
By Moses Harris
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a hand-colored antique engraving depicting the natural history of the Tortoise-shell Butterfly and Privet Hawk Moth, which is plate 2 from Moses Harris' publication "The Aure...
Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Landscape Prints

Materials

Engraving

Moths, English antique natural history Lepidoptera insect chromolithograph print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
English moth chromolithograph, circa 1900. Plate number top right. From an English series of illustrations of butterflies and moths. Butterflies / moths are numbered and there is an ...
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Original Antique Print of Butterflies, 1847, Unframed
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of butterflies. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. brown with original hand color. Pub...
Category

Antique 1840s English Folk Art Prints

Materials

Paper

Hawk Moths, English antique natural history Lepidoptera chromolithograph print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
English hawk moth chromolithograph, circa 1900. Plate number top right. From an English series of illustrations of butterflies and moths. Butterflies / moths are numbered and there i...
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Moths, English antique natural history Lepidoptera chromolithograph print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
English moth chromolithograph, circa 1900. Plate number top right. From an English series of illustrations of butterflies and moths. Butterflies / moths are numbered and there is an ...
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph