Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving

€ 170

One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.

Date: 1798
Sheet size: 25.7 × 19.7 cm (10.1 × 7.8 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-13292-67

Condition

The print is in good condition for its age, with vibrant hand-coloring, sharp engraved details, intact edges, slight age-toning, and minor foxing typical of 18th-century works. A well-preserved piece ideal for display or collection.

About this sheet

This 1798 hand-colored copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children) intricately illustrates the structure, skeleton, and microscopic details of a butterfly's wing.

It features cross-sections, scales, and patterns (Figs. 1-5) with vivid hand-coloring highlighting the delicate textures and patterns of the scales. The engraving provides a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century natural history studies and reflects Bertuch's dedication to education and artistry in his 12-volume encyclopedia for children.

This print is a beautiful combination of scientific accuracy and artistic elegance, ideal for collectors or as a decorative piece.