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The Wonders of Nature: Exquisite 18th Century Engravings of Reptiles and Insects

About the Item

This print, titled "Reptiles and Insects of Various Parts of the World," is an 18th-century engraved work issued around 1778 in London for Middleton. It features an array of meticulously detailed creatures, including a variety of insects such as a "Walking Leaf," a "Locust," and a "Plumed Moth," as well as reptiles like a "Young Crocodile just leaving the Egg" and a "Horn Serpent." Notably, it includes an illustration of a "Rattle Snake" and a "West Indian Spider," among others. The print is framed within an ornate architectural border that includes floral motifs and vegetation swags, adding an element of elegance to the scientific illustrations. Despite the age of the print, it is described as being in good condition, with light uniform paper aging and some creasing around the edges, but overall it retains a fresh and appealing appearance. Such prints were common in the period as a means of documenting and sharing knowledge about the natural world among European audiences, many of whom would never have the opportunity to see such creatures in person. They served educational purposes and often accompanied texts on natural history and geography. The accuracy and detail provided in these prints reflect the scientific interest of the era in categorizing and understanding the diversity of life on Earth. General identifications for the types of animals listed: 1. **Walking Leaf**: This refers to leaf insects or walking leaves, which are part of the family Phylliidae. They are known for their remarkable camouflage that closely resembles leaves. 2. **Centipede**: A group of arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda, known for their multiple body segments, each with a pair of legs. 3. **Locust**: A type of grasshopper, typically from the family Acrididae, known for their swarming behavior. 4. **Plumed Moth**: Likely a moth with conspicuous feathery plumes, possibly from the family Pterophoridae or Alucitidae. 5. **Stick Insect**: Belonging to the order Phasmatodea, these insects are known for their elongated bodies that mimic the appearance of twigs and branches. 6. **Palmer Worm**: This term has historically been used to describe various caterpillar species that are known to cause damage to plants and crops. 7. **Elephant Beetle**: A large beetle of the genus Megasoma, known for its impressive size and horn-like projections on the males. 8. **Capricorn Beetle**: Likely referring to long-horned beetles, which belong to the family Cerambycidae. 9. **Scorpion**: A member of the order Scorpiones, characterized by their segmented tail tipped with a venomous stinger. 10. **Rattlesnake**: A venomous snake, genus Crotalus, characterized by a rattle at the end of its tail. 11. **Young Crocodile**: Referring to the juvenile form of any species within the family Crocodylidae. 12. **Black Butterfly of the West Indies**: A generic term that could refer to any number of butterfly species found in the Caribbean region. 13. **Horn Serpent**: This could refer to a snake with horn-like scales or protrusions on its head, though "horn serpent" often appears in mythology more than in zoology. 14. **West Indian Spider**: This could be any spider species that is native to the West Indies. 15. **Worm of Different Kinds**: This is quite generic and could refer to a variety of worm-like creatures, ranging from true worms to caterpillars or larvae. These identifications are based on common names that might have changed since the 18th century when the print was made. The scientific understanding and classification of these animals have evolved, and common names can vary by region and over time.

Dimensions:

Height: 8.47 in (21.5 cm)Width: 12.21 in (31 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper,Engraved

Period:

Late 18th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1778

Condition:

Good condition, with light uniform paper aging and some creasing around the edges, but overall it retains a fresh and appealing appearance.

Seller Location:

Langweer, NL

Reference Number:

Seller: BG-13597-391stDibs: LU3054337815292

The Wonders of Nature: Exquisite 18th Century Engravings of Reptiles and Insects

About the Item

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