About this sheet
Early English Moths – Death’s-Head Hawk, Elephant Hawk, Albin 1720
This original early 18th-century set of four hand-colored engraved plates comes from A Natural History of English Insects, written, illustrated, engraved, and exactly colored by Eleazar Albin and published in London in 1720. The plates are numbered V–VIII and focus primarily on English moths, shown with their caterpillars, chrysalides, and host plants, carefully documenting each stage of development.
The species illustrated include the Death’s-Head Hawk Moth, Elephant Hawk Moth, and related hawk moths (Sphingidae), easily recognizable by their large wingspans, bold striping, and robust caterpillars. Several plates also include smaller companion moths shown in flight or at rest, creating balanced compositions that combine scientific observation with decorative clarity.
Albin’s engravings are notable for their precision and restraint. The insects are isolated against open, lightly toned paper, allowing the hand coloring to stand out without distraction. The caterpillars, in particular, are rendered with exceptional attention to texture and coloration, reflecting Albin’s direct study of living specimens and his ambition to produce a reliable visual record of English insect life.
These plates are especially appealing to collectors of early entomology and to interior designers seeking authentic 18th-century natural history imagery with strong graphic presence. Offered together as four consecutive plates, the set preserves the original sequence of the book and forms a cohesive group suitable for framing as a quartet or display grid.
Condition
Light overall toning consistent with early 18th-century paper. Hand coloring remains clear and well defined. Minor scattered spotting and gentle age wear. Overall very good condition for prints of this age.
Framing tips
These plates suit dark wood or black frames with wide cream or off-white mats. Displayed together in a square or vertical arrangement, they create a striking natural history wall with strong visual rhythm.
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: Eleazar Albin, London, 1720
