Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

Victorian Butterfly Plates - The Rhopalocera of Java by Piepers & Snellen, 1908

$622.23per set
£458.70per set
€520per set
CA$860.92per set
A$934.14per set
CHF 495.55per set
MX$11,471.21per set
NOK 6,128.29per set
SEK 5,803.48per set
DKK 3,959.22per set

About the Item

Victorian Butterfly Plates from The Rhopalocera of Java by Piepers & Snellen This striking horizontal compilation brings together three richly detailed entomological plates from The Rhopalocera of Java, a foundational 19th-century work by entomologists M.C. Piepers and P.C.T. Snellen. Published in Leiden and printed by F.W\.M. Trap, these plates (numbered XXV, XXVI, and XXVII) showcase the remarkable biodiversity of Javanese butterflies in vivid chromolithographic detail. Each specimen is meticulously illustrated, with wings both open and closed, allowing for the full appreciation of their intricate patterns and coloration. The plates include not only butterflies but also their life stages—caterpillars, chrysalides, and pupae—underscoring the scientific ambition of the work. The subtle naturalistic tones, combined with scientific precision, make these prints both aesthetically captivating and historically important. Piepers and Snellen were pioneers in the field of Lepidoptera research in the Dutch East Indies, and their collaboration produced one of the most visually compelling entomological series of the era. The butterflies are identified by number and sometimes lettered variants (e.g. 130a, 130b), likely referencing species or morphs as catalogued in the original text volumes. When displayed together, these plates form a cohesive visual narrative of tropical natural history, rich in Victorian-era charm. Their warm palette, delicate linework, and museum-quality layout make them perfect for framing as a scientific triptych or natural history wall ensemble. Condition Summary: Excellent preserved chromolithographs with strong color and crisp detail. Slight age-toning consistent with age. Margins intact and suitable for matting. Framing Tips: Double matting in soft cream or ivory with a thin dark inner border will highlight the subtle tones of the butterflies. Frames in walnut, ebonized wood, or gilt will complement the Victorian style. Ideal for horizontal display above a desk or in a natural history-themed interior. Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: F.W\.M. Trap, Leiden, c. 1888–1896 From: The Rhopalocera of Java by M.C. Piepers & P.C.T. Snellen
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12.8 in (32.5 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 3
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1908
  • Condition:
    Excellent preserved chromolithographs with strong color and crisp detail. Slight age-toning consistent with age. Margins intact and suitable for matting.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-04671-7, -8, -91stDibs: LU3054346593382

More From This Seller

View All
Rare Antique Butterfly Prints – Javanese Species, Set of Three Plates, 1908
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Javanese Butterflies – Three Antique Chromolithograph Plates, Java 1908–1910 This set of three striking chromolithograph plates features Javanese butterflies in vivid natural...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Javanese Butterflies – Three Antique Chromolithograph Plates, Java 1908–1910
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Javanese Butterflies – Three Antique Chromolithograph Plates, Java 1908–1910 This set of three striking chromolithograph plates features Javanese butterflies in vivid natural...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Butterfly Prints (Set of 2) – Sumatra Lepidoptera c.1887
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of 2 Antique Butterfly Prints – Sumatra Lepidoptera c.1887 This pair of antique lithographs depicts various butterfly species from Sumatra, publ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 5 Antique Prints of Various Butterflies and Moths by Ramann, circa 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of five antique prints depicting various butterflies and moths. These prints originate from 'Die Schmetterlinge (..)' by Gustav Ramann. Published circa 1870.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 6 Antique Prints of Various Butterflies and Moths by Ramann, circa 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of six antique prints depicting various butterflies and moths. These prints originate from 'Die Schmetterlinge (..)' by Gustav Ramann. Published circa 1870.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 4 Antique Prints of Various Butterflies and Moths by Ramann, circa 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of four antique prints depicting various butterflies and moths. These prints originate from 'Die Schmetterlinge (..)' by Gustav Ramann. Published, circa 1870.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Butterflies, English antique natural history Lepidoptera chromolithograph print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
English butterfly 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

Butterflies, late 19th century antique natural history colour lithograph
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'1. Iliades agenor 2. Parides aeneas' Late 19th century colour lithograph of butterflies.
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Butterflies, late 19th century antique natural history colour lithograph
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'1. Cynthia juliana 2. Anartia amalthea 3. Junonia orthosia' Late 19th century colour lithograph of butterflies.
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Butterflies, late 19th century antique natural history colour lithograph
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'1. 2. Pseudolycaena marsyas 3. 4. Evenus regalis' Late 19th century colour lithograph of butterflies.
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Butterflies, late 19th century antique natural history colour lithograph
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'1. 2. Delias eucharis 3. Delias philyra' Late 19th century colour lithograph of butterflies.
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Butterflies, English antique natural history Lepidoptera chromolithograph print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
English butterfly 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