About this sheet
Antique Rose and Botanical Insect Engravings — Decorative Natural History Set, Albin 1720
This attractive decorative set of three hand-colored copper engravings originates from the first edition of A Natural History of English Insects, published in London in 1720 by the English naturalist and illustrator Eleazar Albin. The work is one of the earliest important illustrated studies of British insects and reflects the emerging scientific interest of the early Enlightenment in observing insects within their natural botanical environments.
Albin’s plates are admired for their combination of scientific curiosity and refined artistic presentation. Each composition presents insects at various stages of development—caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult—arranged around the plants on which they live and feed. The resulting images are both scientifically informative and visually elegant, making them highly appealing today as decorative natural history prints.
The first plate depicts insects associated with fruiting shrubs, including what appear to be rose hips and sloe or plum fruit. Several small moths and caterpillars appear among the leaves, with the life stages of the insects carefully shown. The composition balances botanical detail with delicate insect studies, typical of Albin’s observational approach.
The second plate centers on a flowering rose (Rosa species), rendered with soft pink blossoms and carefully detailed foliage. A caterpillar appears feeding on one of the leaves while a bee and other insect forms are shown nearby. The rose subject gives this plate particular decorative appeal, combining floral beauty with natural history observation.
The third plate shows insects associated with a flowering plant and a small branch bearing leaves and caterpillars. Multiple stages of development appear, including caterpillars feeding on the leaves and adult moths. The elegant vertical arrangement of plant and insects creates a balanced and lively composition.
At the foot of each sheet is an engraved dedication, a characteristic feature of Albin’s publication reflecting the patronage system that supported natural history publishing in the early 18th century. These dedications connect the plates to the social and intellectual networks of the period.
The plates are dedicated respectively to:
Thomas Trevor, Esq. — a British gentleman associated with the prominent Trevor family, active in public life and patronage during the early 18th century.
George Booth, Earl of Warrington — an English nobleman and politician who served in Parliament and was a member of one of the important aristocratic families of Cheshire.
John Hinde Linch of Leipzig — an apothecary and member of the Royal Society of Sciences, reflecting the international scientific connections of Albin’s work.
Printed in London in 1720, these engravings represent first edition plates from one of the earliest illustrated surveys of British insect life. Albin’s work helped establish the visual tradition of entomological illustration and remains valued today for both its historical importance and decorative elegance. Sets such as this are especially appealing to collectors and interior designers for their harmonious combination of botanical and zoological imagery.
Condition report: Good condition for early 18th-century natural history engravings. Light age toning consistent with period paper. Minor edge wear and occasional faint marks. Plate impressions remain clear.
Framing tips: These prints display beautifully as a set of three. Dark walnut or black frames with generous ivory or warm cream matting highlight the delicate hand coloring and complement the warm tone of the historic paper. The set works particularly well in libraries, studies, or interiors with botanical or natural history themes.
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: Eleazar Albin, London, 1720
