Botany · 18th century
€ 559
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good antique condition with age-appropriate toning and light wear.
A finely composed group of early 18th-century natural history engravings by Eleazar Albin, published in London as part of his celebrated work A Natural History of English Insects. These plates exemplify the period when scientific study and decorative art were closely intertwined, resulting in works that are both precise in observation and elegant in presentation.
The engravings depict insects at various stages of their life cycle—caterpillars, chrysalides, and moths—shown in direct relationship with their host plants. Among the foliage are clearly recognisable species such as oak (Quercus), elm (Ulmus), and willow (Salix), each carefully rendered with botanical accuracy. These plants serve as the natural habitat for the insects illustrated, reflecting Albin’s early effort to document species within their ecological context.
The insects shown are primarily moths, likely including tiger moths, tussock moths, and other early recorded British species. Their larvae are depicted feeding on leaves, while the pupae are presented separately, offering a clear and instructive view of metamorphosis. The balanced placement of each element across the sheet creates a composition that is both scientifically informative and visually harmonious.
Each plate carries a dedication to a notable figure of the period:
Plate 83: Dedicated to Lady Mary Gore, a member of the English aristocracy, reflecting the important role of noble patronage in supporting scientific publication.
Plate 84: Dedicated to Brigadier General Russell, a British military officer, representative of the educated and influential class that engaged with scientific works of the time.
Plate 85: Dedicated to William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire, a leading statesman and prominent patron of the arts and sciences in early 18th-century England.
Albin’s engravings are among the earliest systematic studies of British insects, distinguished by their clarity, decorative balance, and carefully applied hand coloring. These qualities make them highly desirable both as historical documents and as refined decorative works.
This example is an original antique engraving printed in around 1720. It is not a modern reproduction. Any images showing the print framed are for visual inspiration only. The print is supplied unframed.
Details:
Creator: Eleazar Albin (English, 1680–1742)
Date: 1720
Medium: Hand-colored copper engraving
Condition: Good antique condition with age-appropriate toning and light wear
Format: Unframed
Origin: London, England
Keywords:
Eleazar Albin, antique entomology print, English insects, oak leaf print, elm botanical print, willow plant engraving, moth life cycle, hand colored engraving, 18th century print, natural history art, copper engraving, British insects, scientific illustration, Georgian print, decorative antique print
