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Vivid Lepidoptera: Hand-Colored 18th-Century Butterfly and Moth Studies
$155.76
£115.93
€130
CA$213.35
A$237.29
CHF 123.91
MX$2,887.59
NOK 1,582.48
SEK 1,484.08
DKK 989.64
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About the Item
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 a captivating study of butterflies and moths. The plate features a variety of lepidopteran species, meticulously depicted in their different life stages, including caterpillars, pupae, and fully developed insects. Each figure is illustrated with remarkable attention to detail, showcasing the vibrant patterns, delicate wings, and intricate body structures of these creatures.
The engraving includes species with striking designs, such as the eye-catching tiger moth and other vividly patterned butterflies, as well as their corresponding larvae and cocoons. The coloration is particularly notable, with the vibrant hand-applied pigments enhancing the naturalistic representation of each subject. The precision in both the anatomical details and the overall composition underscores Bertuch’s dedication to education and artistry.
What makes this engraving particularly fascinating is its dual appeal as both a scientific and an artistic work. Created during the Enlightenment era, it reflects the period’s emphasis on the study of natural history and the dissemination of knowledge. Bertuch's 12-volume encyclopedia for children, illustrated with over 1,200 engraved plates, remains an extraordinary achievement in combining education with visual beauty.
The engraving is an excellent example of 18th-century natural history art, combining aesthetic refinement with pedagogical intent. It serves as a testament to the scientific curiosity and artistic excellence of its time, making it a valuable addition to any collection of antique natural history prints. The engraving’s superb quality, vibrant coloration, and historical significance make it an exceptional piece for display or study.
- Dimensions:Height: 9.06 in (23 cm)Width: 8.67 in (22 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1805
- Condition:The condition is good for its age, with foxing and slight wear on the edges, due to age and handling. This piece would be a captivating addition to a collection focused on antique natural history prints.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14000-651stDibs: LU3054343119512
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
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View AllA Study in Wings: Hand-Colored Lepidoptera of the Mid-19th Century
Located in Langweer, NL
A hand-colored illustration of various insect species, created around 1866.
Th print is potentially part of a publication by W. G. Sebald, a well-known German writer, also known as Max Sebald. He was an avid collector of art and had an interest in natural history.
Specific types of moths and butterflies projected:
Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia): Typically, this moth has a distinctive eye pattern...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Prints
Materials
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$95 Sale Price
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19th Century Lepidoptera: An Illustrated Compendium of Moths and Butterflies
Located in Langweer, NL
An antique hand-colored engraving. This particular illustration focuses on various moth and butterfly species, showcasing their wing patterns and body shapes in vibrant colors and with a high level of detail.
The different specimens are numbered and named at the bottom, likely corresponding to their scientific names, which are partially legible and written in French. These include various types of moths and butterflies with distinct markings, such as eye-like spots on their wings, which are often used in nature as a form of mimicry or to ward off predators.
The artistic style is consistent with scientific illustrations of the 19th century, aimed at providing an accurate representation of the insects for study and reference. The paper shows signs of aging, indicating the historical value of the print. This type of illustration would have been a vital educational tool at the time, combining scientific interest with an appreciation for the beauty of these creatures. The illustrator has captured both the structural and aesthetic qualities of the insects, which would have been important for both scientific taxonomy and for those with a general interest in natural history.
The image appears to be a caption section from an antique hand-colored engraving, listing the names of various moth and butterfly species. The names are in French and are likely to correspond to the illustrations of the specimens on the main engraving. Here's the list of the species with a description based on the names provided:
1. **SÉSIE freloniforme**: This is likely a species of clearwing moth, which mimics the appearance of a hornet or wasp (hence "freloniforme", resembling a hornet). Clearwing moths are known for their transparent wings and mimicry for defense against predators.
2. **PROCRIS du Statice**: This could refer to a species of moth or butterfly associated with sea-lavender plants...
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Antique 1840s Prints
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$258 Sale Price
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Free Shipping
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
Exquisite Depiction of Butterflies and Caterpillars: A Hand-Colored Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Exquisite Depiction of Butterflies and Caterpillars: A Hand-Colored Natural History Engraving
Description: This beautifully hand-colored copperplate engraving offers a deta...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Prints
Materials
Paper
18th-Century Handcolored Entomological Plate – Moth Life Stages and Caterpillars
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 18th-Century Hand-Colored Entomological Plate – Moth Life Stages and Caterpillars
Description: This beautifully detailed 18th-century hand-colored engraving presents a fasc...
Category
Antique 1790s Prints
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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
$210 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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