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

Rare Antique Natural History Prints: Fascinating Insects and Life Cycles, 1832

About the Item

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 glimpse into the natural world, depicting the intricate life cycles and diversity of insects. These prints are part of Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelm’s celebrated *Unterhaltungen aus der Naturgeschichte*, a monumental 25-volume work on natural history. Wilhelm, a Protestant pastor and naturalist, worked alongside Augsburg’s renowned printmakers—part of the famous European Image Factory—to create one of the most significant natural history series of its time. The engravings were created using traditional copperplate techniques, a labor-intensive process that allowed for the creation of detailed, fine lines. Each print was then meticulously hand-colored, enhancing the visual appeal and bringing the depictions to life. The vibrant colors and careful shading make these works both scientifically accurate and artistically compelling. These particular prints showcase an array of insects, such as moths, beetles, bees, and earwigs, as well as their life stages, including eggs, larvae, and pupae. The inclusion of anatomical details and ecological interactions provides a captivating view of 19th-century entomological studies. These prints not only reflect the scientific curiosity of the Enlightenment era but also serve as decorative art, perfect for framing and display. Condition: In very good condition with minor age-related toning and slight imperfections, typical for their age. Hand-coloring remains vibrant and intact. Framing tips: Use archival-quality mats and frames to preserve the prints. Gold or wooden frames complement the antique charm, while float-mounting enhances their visual impact. Display them as a cohesive set or individually for timeless elegance in any setting.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 4.34 in (11 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 0.02 in (0.5 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 4
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1832
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Very good condition with some age-related toning and minor imperfections typical for their age. The hand coloring remains vibrant and crisp.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13292-159, -160 -161, -1621stDibs: LU3054343556432

More From This Seller

View All
Captivating Natural History Prints: Insects, Life Cycles and Rare Details, 1832
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Captivating Antique Natural History Prints: Insects, Life Cycles, and Rare Details Description: This set of four small original antique prints from 1832 offers an extraord...
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

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

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

Small 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

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

You May Also Like

Set of 6 Original Antique Natural History Prints, 1847
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful set of 6 natural history prints. Original hand colored lithographs. After drawings by Cpt. Brown. Published by Fullarton, 1847 Unframed.
Category

Antique 1840s English Folk Art Prints

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Natural History Print, Whales and Dolphins, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of whales and dolphins Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown, Gilpin and Edwards wit...
Category

Antique 1830s English Folk Art Prints

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Natural History Print, Zebra, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a zebra etc. 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 1830s English Folk Art Prints

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Natural History Print, Quadrumana, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of Quadrumana, apes etc. Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown with original han...
Category

Antique 1830s English Folk Art Prints

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Natural History Print, Ostriches, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of ostriches 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. ...
Category

Antique 1830s English Folk Art Prints

Materials

Paper

Large Original Antique Natural History Print, Camels, circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of camels Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown and Marechal with original hand colo...
Category

Antique 1830s English Folk Art Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All