1861 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Butterflies and Botanical Flowers

€ 190

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1861
Sheet size: 25.5 × 19.5 cm (10.0 × 7.7 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-13292-70

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

The print is in very good condition, with vibrant colors, minimal foxing, intact edges, and sharp details. Slight age-toning is visible but typical for its age, making it a well-preserved 19th-century lithograph, ideal for display or collection.

About this sheet

This vibrant 1861 hand-colored lithograph depicts a variety of butterfly species fluttering around a striking red flowering plant. The composition includes six meticulously detailed butterflies, each labeled with reference numbers. The colors range from the rich ochre and black of butterfly 1 to the brilliant blues and intricate patterns on butterfly 5. The botanical centerpiece features elongated red blossoms and verdant green leaves, forming a dynamic contrast with the butterflies' delicate wings. This print captures the beauty and diversity of both flora and fauna, characteristic of 19th-century natural history illustrations. It is both scientifically valuable and artistically enchanting, suitable for collectors or as an elegant decorative piece.

The butterflies in the lithograph can be described as follows:

Further identification might require referencing 19th-century entomological works or modern resources on butterfly species.