Botany · 18th century
€ 330
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Light overall toning consistent with early 18th-century paper. Minor age-related surface marks and faint spotting. Hand coloring remains clear and well preserved.
This set of two original hand-colored copper engravings was issued in London in 1720 as part of Eleazar Albin’s *A Natural History of English Insects*. As with the other plates in this celebrated series, the engravings illustrate English moths together with their caterpillars, pupae, and host plants, arranged to show the full life cycle in a single, balanced composition.
The first plate is dedicated by Albin “To the Right Honorable The Lady Catherine Jones.” It depicts caterpillars feeding on long, blade-like grass leaves, clearly suggesting meadow or grassland habitats. Adult moths are shown around the plant in subdued grey and brown tones, characteristic of noctuid and rustic moth species active in open fields. The chrysalis stage is included nearby, reinforcing the didactic nature of the plate. The tall, arching grass leaves give the composition a strong vertical rhythm and a calm, open-landscape character.
The second plate bears a dedication “To the Lady Jekyl.” It shows caterpillars feeding on a flowering plant with yellow daisy-like blooms and deeply cut leaves, likely a hawkweed or related meadow flower. Surrounding the plant are striking adult moths with rich red and dark brown wings, creating a vivid contrast against the green foliage. Eggs and pupae are again included, completing the sequence from larva to adult.
Together, these two engravings form a visually engaging pair focused on meadow and field plants. Their consistent hand coloring, elegant compositions, and aristocratic dedication inscriptions make them appealing both as historical natural history illustrations and as decorative works suitable for paired display.
Condition report:
Light overall toning consistent with early 18th-century paper. Minor age-related surface marks and faint spotting. Hand coloring remains clear and well preserved.
Framing tips:
Frame as a matched pair using simple dark wood or black frames with soft off-white mats to highlight the natural colors and antique paper tone.
