Items Similar to Winged Jewels of the Victorian Era: Hand-Colored Butterfly Masterpieces, 1890
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
Winged Jewels of the Victorian Era: Hand-Colored Butterfly Masterpieces, 1890
About the Item
The three butterfly species depicted in the original hand-colored plates from the sixth edition of "A History of British Butterflies" by Morris, published in 1890, are a fascinating subject for both entomologists and art enthusiasts.
The butterflies in more detail:
1. **Large Blue (Maculinea arion):** The Large Blue, which is likely represented in the first plate, is renowned for its vibrant blue wings, bordered by a black margin and adorned with black spots across the forewings. What makes the Large Blue particularly interesting is its complex life cycle and dependence on a specific species of red ant (Myrmica ants). The caterpillars are adopted by the ants and live within the ant nest, where they are fed by the ants until they pupate. This unique parasitic relationship has garnered significant interest and led to conservation efforts, especially as the Large Blue has faced extinction threats in the past.
2. **Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus):** Often depicted with a bright azure blue on the upper wings with thin black margins, the Holly Blue can be distinguished by its pale silver-blue underwings with small black spots. This butterfly is usually found in woodland areas, gardens, and hedgerows. The Holly Blue has two broods a year, with caterpillars that feed on different host plants depending on the season: holly in the spring and ivy in the autumn. This adaptation to different seasonal plants is quite unique among butterflies.
3. **Little Blue (Cupido minimus or Plebejus argus):** While "Little Blue" is not a standard common name and could refer to a variety of small blue butterflies, it could possibly refer to Cupido minimus, also known as the Small Blue, or Plebejus argus, the Silver-studded Blue. The Small Blue is the UK's smallest butterfly and has dusky blue wings with unobtrusive black spots. Alternatively, the Silver-studded Blue has blue-tinted wings with a row of black spots encircled with white and orange lunules near the margins of the hindwings. These butterflies are interesting due to their diminutive size and the specific habitats they require, often associated with specific plant species such as kidney vetch for the Small Blue or heathland for the Silver-studded Blue.
These illustrations from Morris' "A History of British Butterflies" not only serve as a documentation of biodiversity but also highlight the intersection of art and science during the Victorian era. The meticulous hand-coloring adds to the historical value of the plates, providing a glimpse into the dedication and attention to detail involved in 19th-century scientific illustration.
- Dimensions:Height: 10.01 in (25.4 cm)Width: 6.82 in (17.3 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1890
- Condition:Condition: Good given age, general age-related toning. Some small spots.. Please study scan carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13260-58, BG-13260-59, BG-13260-601stDibs: LU3054338979962
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 AllVictorian Era British Lepidoptera: A Hand-Colored Legacy, 1890
Located in Langweer, NL
The butterflies depicted in the plates are special, both historically in the context of British lepidopterology and scientifically in terms of their morphology and behavior.
1. **Arran Brown (Erebia ligea)** - The image labeled "22" likely depicts what is commonly known as the Arran Brown, previously known as Arran Argus. It's a species that prefers grassy habitats and flies low to the ground. These butterflies have brown wings with eye-like spots on the upper side, which can confuse predators into attacking the wrong part of the body.
2. **Scotch Argus (Erebia aethiops)** - The image labeled "23" seems to represent the Scotch Argus. This butterfly has dark brown wings with orange bands containing black spots, each centered with a tiny white dot. It is commonly found in damp grassy areas and is especially interesting due to its limited distribution, being primarily found in Scotland and parts of Northern England.
3. **Small Ringlet (Erebia cothurnatus)** - The image labeled "24" probably shows the Small Ringlet, which in some texts may be referred to as Small Mountain Ringlet or Small Heath...
Category
Antique 1890s Prints
Materials
Paper
$177 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Free Shipping
Fluttering Jewels of the Meadow: Morris's 1890 Masterpieces of Fritillaries
Located in Langweer, NL
The butterflies depicted in the original antique plates are all hand-colored and they are part of the Fritillary family, known for their beautiful, checkered patterns.
1. **High-Bro...
Category
Antique 1890s Prints
Materials
Paper
$177 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Free Shipping
Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving
Description: This 1798 hand-colored copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bilderbuch...
Category
Antique 1790s Prints
Materials
Paper
Victorian Butterfly Treasures: Captivating Hand-Colored Lithographs, 1878
Located in Langweer, NL
Victorian Butterfly Treasures: Captivating Hand-Colored Lithographs by Frederic C. Moore
Description: This exquisite set of lithographs by Frederic C. Moore, created in 1878, offer...
Category
Antique 1870s Prints
Materials
Paper
$316 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
$242 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Old Hand-Colored Print of the Guards of the King of France, 1890
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Gardes-du-Crops du Roi'.
Old print of the Guards of the King of France. This print originates from 'Histoire de la maison militaire du roi de 1814 à 1830 : ...
Category
Antique 1890s Prints
Materials
Paper
$177 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Antique Hand Colored Engraving of the Port of Rotterdam
Located in Bradenton, FL
An antique hand colored engraving showing the port of Rotterdam. Inscribed in Latin and Italian “Prospectus portæ veteris roterodamensis / vista de la puerta vieja a roterdam” which translates to ‘View of the old gate...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
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 Polydamas Butterfly Print with Mirror Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Artistic decorative hand water coloured print representing a Battus Polydamas butterfly, also known as the gold rim swallowtail butterfly.
This print has been pressed with an ancien...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vatican Prints
Materials
Mirror, Paper, Wood
Contemporary Italian Hand-Colored Silver-Washed Butterfly Print with MirrorFrame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Artistic decorative hand water coloured print representing a silver-washed fritillary butterfly.
This print has been pressed with an ancient press called "a Stella" and entirely han...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Prints
Materials
Mirror, Paper, Wood
Contemporary Italian Hand Colored Machaon Butterfly Print with Mirror Frame
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Artistic decorative hand water coloured print representing a Papilio Machaon 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 tulipwood 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 Italian Prints
Materials
Mirror, Paper, Wood
