Items Similar to Set of Three Antique Engravings – Butterflies and Moths, 18th Century c.1770
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Set of Three Antique Engravings – Butterflies and Moths, 18th Century c.1770
$348.97per set
£258.36per set
€290per set
CA$483.17per set
A$527.51per set
CHF 276.55per set
MX$6,406.82per set
NOK 3,453.69per set
SEK 3,261.20per set
DKK 2,207.83per set
About the Item
Set of Three Antique Engravings of Butterflies and Moths from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770
A fine trio of copperplate engravings from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert’s celebrated *Encyclopédie ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers*, Paris, circa 1770. These plates form part of the *Histoire naturelle* section devoted to insects, and specifically illustrate butterflies (*papillons*) and moths in striking detail.
The first plate (Pl. LXXX) presents several species of butterflies, dominated by two large specimens with extended wings shown in dorsal and ventral views. Smaller figures, including delicate day-flying moths, are arranged around them, emphasizing variety of form and wing pattern.
The second plate (Pl. LXXXI) depicts both adult moths and their metamorphic stages, including a caterpillar, a chrysalis, and fully developed winged insects. Notable among them are a Luna moth (*Actias luna*) with elongated tails and a hawk moth with detailed wing patterning, reflecting the Enlightenment fascination with natural transformations and the cycle of life.
The third plate (Pl. LXXXII) shows two spectacular moths with expansive, richly patterned wings, engraved with careful shading to emphasize their scale and texture. The engraver’s artistry conveys both the scientific need for accuracy and the aesthetic admiration of these exotic Lepidoptera.
Together, these three engravings capture the Enlightenment spirit of classification and curiosity. They balance scientific observation with decorative elegance, making them not only important historical records of 18th-century entomology but also striking artworks in their own right.
Condition report: Fair (one sheet) to good (two sheets) impressions with strong platemarks. Light toning and minor foxing at margins, consistent with age. Overall crisp and well-preserved. Offered as three separate folio sheets, unframed.
Framing tips: These butterfly and moth engravings make a strong visual statement when displayed together. Use matching frames in dark wood or black with wide ivory mounts to highlight their refined linework. Double matting with a thin green or golden inner border will enhance the natural theme and bring out the elegance of the wing patterns.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Denis Diderot & Jean le Rond d’Alembert, Paris, ca. 1770
- Dimensions:Height: 15.36 in (39 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 3
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1770-1779
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1770
- Condition:Condition report: Fair (one sheet) to good (two sheets) impressions with strong platemarks. Light toning and minor foxing at margins, consistent with age. Overall crisp and well-preserved. Offered as three separate folio sheets, unframed.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13494-30, -31, -321stDibs: LU3054346681902
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,641 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllSet of Three Antique Engravings of Insects from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Three Antique Engravings of Insects from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770
A set of three finely engraved copperplates from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert’s monumen...
Category
Antique 1770s French Prints
Materials
Paper
Hawk-Moths and Butterflies: Hand-Colored Engravings, Published in 1805
Located in Langweer, NL
The composition of these two hand-colored copperplate engravings presents a visually rich study of moths, butterflies, and their life stages, as published in Friedrich Johann Bertuch...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
Exquisite Butterflies and Moths: Vibrant Hand-Colored 19th-Century Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: A Symphony of Butterflies and Moths: Hand-Colored 19th-Century Engraving from Bertuch’s Bilderbuch für Kinder
Description:
This vibrant hand-colored copperplate engraving...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of 3 Antique Prints of Various Insects and Butterflies by Guerin, 'c.1835'
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of three antique prints of various insects and butterflies. These prints originate from 'Dictionnaire Pittoresque d'Histoire Naturelle' by Felix-Edouard Guerin-Meneville. Publish...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
$96 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of 4 Antique Prints of Butterflies and Moths, 1861
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of 4 original antique prints of butterflies and moths. These prints originate from 'Dictionnaire universel d'Histoire Naturelle' by d'Orbigny. Published 1861.
Charles Henry Dessalines d'Orbigny was a French botanist and geologist specializing in the Tertiary of France. At the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, d'Orbigny identified many of the flowering plant species returned to France from his brother's natural history collecting...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
$471 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique Hand-Colored Moth and Butterfly Prints - Rare 19th-Century Illustrations
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Antique Hand-Colored Moth and Butterfly Prints by Blanchard and Fournier – Rare 19th-Century Natural History Illustrations
This set of two exquisite antique prints showcases detailed hand-colored engravings of moths and butterflies, emphasizing the beauty and diversity of Lepidoptera. Created by Blanchard and Fournier in the 19th century, these plates are part of a larger series dedicated to natural history and entomology. They feature remarkable artistry and scientific precision, making them prized collectibles for lovers of natural history.
1. Plate 1:
- Species Depicted:
- Attacus grand paon de nuit (Saturnia pyri), also known as the Giant Peacock Moth, Europe's largest moth.
- Attacus petit paon de nuit (Saturnia pavonia), the Small Emperor Moth.
- These stunning moths are illustrated with their iconic eye-like wing patterns, used as a defense mechanism to deter predators.
2. Plate 2:
- Species Depicted:
- Sphinx tête de mort (Acherontia atropos), the Death's-head Hawkmoth, famous for the skull-like marking on its thorax.
- Zygène de la filipendule (Zygaena filipendulae), the Six-spot Burnet Moth, known for its vibrant red spots.
- Syntomeida phageo (Syntomis phageo), a colorful day-flying moth with a striking black and green pattern.
- This plate highlights both the dramatic patterns and vibrant coloration of these species, showcasing their unique adaptations.
These prints are perfect examples of the intersection of art and science, with meticulous detailing and vivid hand-coloring. They serve as a historical record of entomological studies and an artistic celebration of nature’s diversity.
Keywords: Antique moth...
Category
Antique 1840s Prints
Materials
Paper
$211 Sale Price / set
20% Off
You May Also Like
Antique Albertus Seba Pair 18th Century Hand-Colored Engravings Butterfly
By Albertus Seba 1
Located in Washington, DC
Rare pair of original hand-colored prints from Sir Albertus Seba's cabinet of natural curiosities. Prints come from published volumes in Amste...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
Esper Antique 18th century Moth engraving with original hand-colouring
By LG Klinger (engraver)
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A German copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring of a moth, caterpillars and chrysalis. Printed on hand made laid paper. Engraved by JC Bock.
From Eugenius Esper's "Die S...
Category
Late 18th Century Naturalistic More Prints
Materials
Engraving
Esper Antique 18th century Moth engraving with original hand-colouring
By LG Klinger (engraver)
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A German copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring of a moth, caterpillars and chrysalis. Printed on hand made laid paper. Engraved by JC Bock.
From Eugenius Esper's "Die S...
Category
Late 18th Century Naturalistic More Prints
Materials
Engraving
Esper Antique 18th century Butterfly engraving with original hand-colouring
By JC Bock
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A German copper-line engraving with original hand-colouring of butterflies. Printed on hand made laid paper. Engraved by JC Bock.
From Eugenius Esper's "Die Schmetterlinge in Abbild...
Category
Late 18th Century Naturalistic More 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
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
