Items Similar to Stunning Vintage Butterfly and Moth Illustration Compilation, Hand-colored, 1860
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
Stunning Vintage Butterfly and Moth Illustration Compilation, Hand-colored, 1860
About the Item
Stunning Vintage Butterfly and Moth Illustration Compilation, Plate 2 and 4
This beautiful compilation showcases two vintage illustrations featuring various butterfly and moth species, meticulously depicted in Plates 2 and 4. The artwork highlights the delicate details of these insects, including their vibrant patterns, varied shapes, and intricate wing structures. Each element—from the butterflies' colorful wings to the surrounding foliage—demonstrates the artist's skill in capturing the essence of these stunning creatures.
The left side of the compilation, Plate 2, portrays four different species of butterflies and moths, along with a vividly illustrated caterpillar resting on a stem. The artwork conveys a naturalistic, almost lifelike quality, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of lepidopterology. The right side, Plate 4, is equally enchanting, presenting a collection of moths, butterflies, caterpillars, and pupae interacting with branches and leaves in a harmonious composition. The natural environment is portrayed in fine detail, providing an immersive and informative representation of their habitat.
The butterflies and moths depicted in these illustrations represent a diverse group of species, each with unique features that make them special. Although the specific names of the species in these plates are not explicitly labeled, I can provide some insight into the general types that are commonly represented in such natural history prints from the 19th century.
Hawk moths (Sphingidae) are depicted in Plate 2, characterized by their robust bodies and long, narrow wings. Hawk moths are remarkable due to their ability to hover like hummingbirds while feeding on nectar. Their rapid wing movements allow them to access flowers that other insects cannot reach, and they are often active during dusk or dawn.
One of the moths in Plate 2 resembles the Death's-head Hawkmoth (Acherontia spp.), famous for the unique skull-like marking on its thorax. This distinct feature, along with their ability to produce a squeaking sound when disturbed, makes these moths truly fascinating. They have been subjects of myth and folklore, often associated with omens due to their eerie markings.
The butterfly in Plate 4 with elongated tails on its hindwings resembles a swallowtail (Papilionidae). Swallowtail butterflies are known for their vivid coloration and elegant, tail-like extensions. These features help them evade predators, as the tails often draw attacks away from their vital body parts, allowing them to escape more easily.
Another species represented in Plate 4 has a speckled, white, and black pattern reminiscent of a tiger moth (Arctiinae). Tiger moths are notable for their striking warning coloration, which signals to predators that they are toxic or unpalatable. Their vivid wing patterns serve as a defense mechanism, helping them survive in the wild.
One of the moths appears similar to the Luna moth (Actias luna), which is characterized by its pale green wings and long tail extensions. Luna moths are part of the Saturniidae family and are known for their striking appearance and relatively short adult lifespan, as they do not feed and live only to reproduce.
These species have special features that make them unique:
Adaptations for survival are evident in each of these species, such as coloration for camouflage or warning, specialized wing shapes, and the ability to hover. These traits help them survive and thrive in their environments.
The illustrations also include various life stages—caterpillars, pupae, and adult butterflies or moths. This depiction highlights the fascinating transformation these insects undergo, known as metamorphosis. Caterpillars are often vividly colored or camouflaged to blend into their surroundings, while pupae are hidden or disguised to avoid predators.
The variety in wing patterns, from bold and bright to subtle and camouflaged, showcases the incredible diversity among Lepidoptera. Each pattern serves a purpose, whether to attract mates, deter predators, or blend into their environment.
These butterflies and moths are not only beautiful but also serve as an example of nature's adaptability and creativity. The intricate details captured by the artist in these illustrations give us a glimpse into the complexity and elegance of the insect world.
What makes these butterflies and moths particularly captivating is the diversity they represent. This artwork captures both the beauty and the biological life cycle of these insects, displaying caterpillars, pupae, and mature butterflies in one frame. The variety in coloration and wing patterns helps differentiate each species, showcasing their adaptability and evolution in response to their respective environments. Furthermore, the illustrations represent both diurnal (day-active) butterflies and nocturnal (night-active) moths, highlighting the contrast between their wing patterns and behaviors.
Overall, this compilation is a splendid example of natural history art, where art and science blend seamlessly to portray the magnificent beauty of the butterfly and moth world. Whether you are an art collector, an entomology enthusiast, or simply an admirer of nature's wonders, this vintage illustration is a perfect piece to appreciate and explore the richness of the natural world.
- Dimensions:Height: 10.63 in (27 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1860
- Condition:Condition: good. Colors vibrant, minor toning due to age, edges slightly worn. No visible tears, foxing present on margins but not affecting main image. Plates exhibit light creasing, typical of vintage lithographs. Overall, well-preserved condition.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13887-18, BG-13887-191stDibs: LU3054342445312
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,467 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 AllAntique 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
$204 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
Vivid Lepidoptera: Hand-Colored 18th-Century Butterfly and Moth Studies
Located in Langweer, NL
This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's renowned "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar in 1805, presents ...
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
Victorian Butterfly Wonders: Stunning Hand-Colored Lithographs, 1878
Located in Langweer, NL
Victorian Butterfly Wonders: Stunning Hand-Colored Lithographs by Frederic C. Moore and J. Nugent Fitch
Description: This exquisite collection of lithographs from 1878 features the...
Category
Antique 1870s Prints
Materials
Paper
$241 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Hand-Colored 1805 Butterfly Print by Bertuch - Convolvulus & Privet Hawk-Moth
Located in Langweer, NL
Hand-Colored 1805 Butterfly Print by Friedrich J. Bertuch - Convolvulus & Privet Hawk-Moth
Description: This hand-colored copperplate engraving, from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bil...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
$130 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Pair Of Hand Colored Engravings Of Moths
Located in Essex, MA
Nicely framed with marbled double matting and gilded and painted frames.
Category
Antique 1780s English Prints
Materials
Wood, Paper
$950 / set
Contemporary Italian Hand Colored Butterfly Print with Mirror Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Artistic decorative hand water coloured print representing a butterfly.
This print has been pressed with an ancient press called "a Stella" and entirely hand water coloured by a skilled draftsman.
The frame is in tuliper wood covered with polished edge mirror finished.
8 different butterflies available to create a bright composition.
Completely produced in Florence Italy by Artecornici design...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vatican Prints
Materials
Mirror, Paper, Wood
Contemporary Italian Hand Water Colored Butterfly Print with Mirror Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Artistic decorative hand water colored print representing a butterfly.
This print has been pressed with an ancient press called "a Stella" and entirely hand water colored by a skill...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Prints
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Contemporary Italian Hand Colored Swallowtail Butterfly Print with Mirror Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Artistic decorative hand water colored print representing a scarce swallowtail butterfly.
This print has been pressed with an ancient press call...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Prints
Materials
Mirror, Paper, Wood
Contemporary Italian Hand Colored Leucippe Butterfly Print with Mirror Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Artistic decorative hand water coloured print representing a Leucippe butterfly.
This print has been pressed with an ancient press called "a Stella" and entirely hand water coloured...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vatican Prints
Materials
Mirror, Paper, Wood
Contemporary Italian Hand Colored Peacock Butterfly Print with Mirror Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Artistic decorative hand water coloured print representing a peacock butterfly.
This print has been pressed with an ancient press called "a Stella" and entirely hand water coloured ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vatican Prints
Materials
Mirror, Paper, Wood
