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

€ 170

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

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

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 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.