Lithograph of Insect Life Cycles – Moths, Bees, and Caterpillars with Host Plant
€ 180
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Sheet size
34.8 × 25.9 cm (13.7 × 10.2 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13836-86
Condition
The condition is good with clear colors, minor foxing, and sharp details preserved. Light age-related toning, typical of a piece over 160 years old. Protected by a small matting cover, the print has small remains of tape in the top, not visible.
About this sheet
19th-Century Hand-Colored Lithograph of Insect Life Cycles – Moths, Bees, and Caterpillars with Host Plants
This illustration is a detailed entomological plate showcasing various stages of insect life, including caterpillars, moths, and possibly bees or wasps. The composition includes different species and their associated host plants, providing a comprehensive view of their natural life cycle. The scientific precision in depicting the insects and plants highlights the plate's educational and artistic value, likely from a 19th-century natural history publication.
This plate appears to be an entomological study intended to document the metamorphosis and ecological interactions of specific insect species with their host plants. Such illustrations were common in the 19th century, often commissioned by naturalists to educate European audiences about exotic or scientifically significant species. The inclusion of multiple species and their developmental stages suggests it was part of a systematic work on entomology.
This exquisite 19th-century hand-colored lithograph presents a detailed study of insect life cycles, showcasing caterpillars, moths, and bees (or wasps) in various stages of development. The intricate composition includes host plants, emphasizing the ecological relationships between these species and their environment. Each insect and plant is carefully labeled, reflecting the scientific rigor of the period.
The lithograph is mounted on a cream-colored mat with decorative green borders, accentuating the naturalistic theme and enhancing its visual appeal. The plate is numbered "2" in the lower corner, indicating it was part of a larger entomological series.
Condition Report: - The hand-coloring is vibrant and well-preserved, with fine detail visible throughout. - The paper shows light toning and minor foxing, primarily around the edges, which does not detract from the central image. - Mounted on a decorative mat, making it ready for framing and display.
