Beautiful 1805 Hand-Colored Engraving of Butterfly Life Cycle from Bertuch
€ 130
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1805
Sheet size
23 × 19 cm (9.1 × 7.5 in)
Reference
BG-14000-20
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
Light toning with minor foxing along the edges; a few brown spots but the hand-coloring remains vivid and beautifully executed. over 200 years ago. Please review the images for further condition details.
About this sheet
This enchanting hand-colored engraving is from Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s Porte-Feuille des Enfants (Children's Portfolio), published in 1805. It meticulously illustrates the life cycle of butterflies and their interactions with host plants, showcasing a combination of scientific precision and artistic elegance.
The engraving includes: - Fig. 1: Various stages of the caterpillar's life, feeding on leaves and transitioning into a chrysalis, reflecting its metamorphic journey. - Fig. 2: A fully developed butterfly with its delicate, patterned wings, emphasizing the final stage of transformation. - Fig. 3: A detailed view of a leaf with eggs and a caterpillar, offering insight into the beginning of the butterfly’s life cycle.
This plate embodies the Enlightenment-era fascination with the natural world, focusing on the intricacies of insect development and their ecological role. Bertuch’s work aimed to educate and inspire young readers, combining scientific knowledge with visually stunning artwork.
Collectors of natural history prints or entomology enthusiasts will find this engraving an exquisite addition to their collection, perfect for framing or study. Its vibrant hand-coloring and detailed depiction make it a valuable historical piece.
