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:
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
1,919 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Victorian Era British Lepidoptera: A Hand-Colored Legacy, 1890Located in Langweer, NLThe 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. **Ar...Category
Antique 1890s Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Fluttering Jewels of the Meadow: Morris's 1890 Masterpieces of FritillariesLocated in Langweer, NLThe 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
MaterialsPaper
- Old Hand-Colored Print of the Guards of the King of France, 1890Located in Langweer, NLAntique 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
MaterialsPaper
- Old Hand-Colored Print of the Guards of the King of France, 1890Located in Langweer, NLAntique 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 Maps
MaterialsPaper
- Marine Mollusk Masterpieces: Artistry from the Depths, Hand-Colored in 1849Located in Langweer, NLTitle: "Marine Mollusk Masterpieces: Artistry from the Depths" This collection of hand-colored engravings, meticulously crafted, offers a window into the diverse world of marine mol...Category
Antique 1840s Prints
MaterialsPaper
- Evolutions of Elegance: A Victorian Trio of British Butterflies, 1890Located in Langweer, NLThree original hand-colored plates from the sixth edition of 'A History of British Butterflies' by Morris, which date back to 1890. A closer look at each of the species depicted: ...Category
Antique 1890s Prints
MaterialsPaper
You May Also Like
- Antique Hand Colored Engraving of the Port of RotterdamLocated in Bradenton, FLAn 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
MaterialsGlass, Wood, Paper
- Contemporary Italian Hand Colored Butterfly Print with Mirror FrameLocated in Scandicci, FlorenceArtistic 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
MaterialsWood, Paper, Mirror
- Contemporary Italian Hand Colored Peacock Butterfly Print with Mirror FrameLocated in Scandicci, FlorenceArtistic 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
MaterialsMirror, Wood, Paper
- Contemporary Italian Hand Colored Polydamas Butterfly Print with Mirror FrameLocated in Scandicci, FlorenceArtistic 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
MaterialsMirror, Paper, Wood
- Contemporary Italian Hand Water Colored Butterfly Print with Mirror FrameLocated in Scandicci, FlorenceArtistic 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
MaterialsMirror, Wood
- Contemporary Italian Hand Water Colored Butterfly Print with Mirror FrameLocated in Scandicci, FlorenceArtistic 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
MaterialsMirror, Wood
