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Rare Antique Hand-Colored Butterfly Engravings by Edward Donovan (1820s)
About the Item
Title: Rare Antique Hand-Colored Butterfly Engravings by Edward Donovan (1820s) – Set of Four Exquisite Natural History Prints
This striking set of four antique butterfly prints represents the finest examples of natural history illustration from the early 19th century, created by the celebrated British naturalist and artist Edward Donovan (1768–1837). Published between 1824 and 1826, these hand-colored engravings were part of Donovan's acclaimed works documenting the beauty and diversity of butterflies, moths, and other insects.
1. Plate 1 (1826): Features a vivid blue and brown butterfly resting on delicate foliage, paired with a rich brown specimen displaying intricate markings.
2. Plate 2 (1825): Depicts a golden-yellow butterfly with striking black markings alongside a deep red butterfly with bold black and white details.
3. Plate 3 (1825): Highlights a golden butterfly with an elaborate wing pattern, accompanied by a vibrant lower butterfly adorned with multicolored eyespots and intricate linework.
4. Plate 4 (1824): Displays a graceful orange and white butterfly with elegant wings alongside a larger specimen with dramatic black and cream coloration.
These illustrations, known for their meticulous detail and vibrant hand-coloring, showcase the beauty and diversity of butterfly species, capturing their delicate anatomy and distinctive markings. Donovan's work combined scientific observation with artistic skill, making these prints not only visually captivating but also historically significant.
Based on the engravings by Edward Donovan, the species depicted are likely identifiable, as Donovan often labeled or documented the scientific names in his publications. Here's an attempt to associate the butterflies with probable species names, although precise identification would require more detailed examination of Donovan's original work:
1. Plate 1 (1826):
- The brown butterfly with circular markings could be *Precis iphita* or a related species.
- The blue and brown butterfly with intricate patterns might represent a species like *Hamadryas amphinome*.
2. Plate 2 (1825):
- The golden butterfly with black markings resembles *Charaxes varanes*.
- The red butterfly with black and white details could be *Cymothoe sangaris*.
3. Plate 3 (1825):
- The golden butterfly with elaborate black markings may represent a species such as *Junonia almana*.
- The multicolored butterfly with vibrant eyespots might be *Callicore cynosura* or a related species.
4. Plate 4 (1824):
- The orange and white butterfly resembles *Papilio demoleus* or *Papilio clytia*.
- The black and cream butterfly with dramatic wing patterns might be *Papilio cresphontes* or *Papilio machaon*.
For exact identification, cross-referencing with Edward Donovan’s original publications (such as The Natural History of British Insects or Illustrations of Exotic Entomology) and consulting entomological resources would provide more clarity. These species might also have older names that have since been updated with modern taxonomy.
Keywords:
Antique butterfly prints, Edward Donovan, hand-colored engravings, natural history illustrations, 19th-century entomology art, rare insect prints, vintage butterfly collection, early 19th-century artwork, butterfly decor, natural science art, Edward Donovan 1820s butterflies.
These prints are perfect for collectors of natural history art, enthusiasts of vintage decor, or anyone who appreciates the delicate beauty of nature captured through the lens of history. Ideal for framing and display in a study, library, or living space.
- Dimensions:Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Width: 5.83 in (14.8 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 4
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1824
- Condition:Condition: good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13887-3, -4, -5, -61stDibs: LU3054342344792
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