About this sheet
Cabinet-Size British Butterfly Engravings by Jardine & Lizars, 1835
This charming set of six hand-colored butterfly engravings originates from the celebrated Victorian natural history publication The Naturalist’s Library, edited by the renowned Scottish naturalist Sir William Jardine and published in Edinburgh beginning in 1835. The plates come from Entomology Volume III: British Butterflies, one of the most admired volumes within this influential multi-volume scientific series.
Each engraving was executed by the distinguished Scottish engraver William Home Lizars, whose delicate line work and refined hand-coloring gave The Naturalist’s Library its instantly recognizable visual appeal. Produced in an elegant small-format edition intended for both collectors and scholars, the engravings combine scientific precision with decorative beauty. The subtle cream backgrounds, carefully observed butterfly species, and graceful botanical elements create highly sophisticated compositions that remain remarkably modern in appearance.
The present group includes several species identified in elegant cursive captions below the illustrations, including Hipparchia Galathea, Hipparchia Arcania, Lycaena Phlaeas, Hesperia Tages, and other British butterfly varieties. The plates are numbered individually in Roman numerals, including LIV, LXIX, LXXI, XCIV, XXII, and XLI. The engravings beautifully capture the diversity of British lepidoptera, with detailed wing markings and naturalistic poses arranged against minimal backgrounds for maximum visual clarity.
The Naturalist’s Library became one of the most influential illustrated scientific series of the 19th century and was enormously popular among Victorian audiences fascinated by botany, zoology, and entomology. These engravings were struck from the original engraved plates prepared for the first 1835 edition, rather than later modern reproductions, giving the works strong collector appeal. Their intimate format and refined coloration make them particularly attractive for salon-style arrangements, cabinet walls, or grouped display in modern interiors.
This set works exceptionally well framed together in matching dark walnut, ebonized, or gilt frames with wide ivory mats. Their compact dimensions allow for elegant grouping while maintaining a refined museum-style appearance.
Condition: Good antique condition overall, with gentle age-related toning and light wear consistent with age. Colors remain attractive and fresh. Minor occasional handling marks may be present. The prints display well.
Note: These prints are original antique engravings, not reproductions. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The pieces are sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Technique: Original hand-colored engravings
Maker: William Home Lizars after Sir William Jardine, Edinburgh, circa 1835
