Botany · 18th century
€ 310
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition for an early 18th-century engraving. Light age toning to the paper, minor spotting, and soft handling wear at the margins. Plate mark visible. Colors remain clear and well preserved.
1720 Albin Butterfly & Host Plant Plate – Dedicated to William Byrd of Virginia
This finely hand-colored copper engraving was published in London in 1720 as part of A Natural History of English Insects, the landmark entomological work by Eleazar Albin. Albin’s publication stands among the earliest English books to document insects through their full life cycle, combining scientific observation with an elegant, decorative presentation that appealed equally to natural philosophers and collectors.
The plate illustrates a butterfly at multiple stages of development—caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult—shown in relation to its host plant. The composition reflects Albin’s distinctive approach: insects are not isolated specimens, but are integrated into their natural environment, with carefully observed leaves, stems, and blossoms rendered in harmonious balance with the insects themselves. This method was innovative for its time and contributed significantly to the emerging field of natural history illustration in early 18th-century Britain.
Of particular historical interest is the engraved dedication at the foot of the sheet: “To William Byrd of Westover in Virginia Esq.” William Byrd II was a prominent colonial statesman, planter, and intellectual figure in early America, and his inclusion as a dedicatee underscores the transatlantic reach of Albin’s work and the close ties between Enlightenment science and elite patronage. Such named dedications add a layer of provenance and cultural context that is highly sought after by collectors.
The engraving is executed with crisp line work and delicately applied original hand color, typical of early Albin impressions. The restrained palette and refined engraving give the plate both scientific clarity and decorative charm, making it equally suitable for a study, library, or sophisticated interior setting.
Condition report:
Good condition for an early 18th-century engraving. Light age toning to the paper, minor spotting, and soft handling wear at the margins. Plate mark visible. Colors remain clear and well preserved.
Framing tips:
This plate presents beautifully with a wide ivory or soft off-white mat to emphasize the engraved margin and dedication line. A dark walnut, ebonized, or antique gilt frame complements the warm tones of the paper and highlights the delicacy of the hand coloring, suitable for both classic and contemporary interiors.
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: Eleazar Albin, London, 1720
