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English Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored PrintEnglish Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored Print

Insects & Arachnids

English Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored Print

€ 280

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

Mapmaker / artist
Eleazar Albin, London, 1720
Technique
Copper engraving with original hand coloring
Sheet size
28.3 × 22.1 cm (11.1 × 8.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14185-45
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 to moderate age-related toning. Minor edge wear consistent with original binding. Colors remain clear and well preserved.

About this sheet

English Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored Print

Published in London in 1720, this hand-colored copper engraving forms part of Eleazar Albin’s A Natural History of English Insects, a cornerstone work of early British entomology. The plate depicts moths, caterpillars, and pupae arranged around a hawthorn branch, illustrating the insect life cycle in direct relation to its host plant.

The plate is dedicated “To Mrs. Mary Goupy,” reflecting the network of subscribers and private patrons who supported the publication of natural history works in Georgian England. Such dedications were customary and provide insight into the social and cultural context in which Albin’s work was produced.

The insects shown are moths and larvae commonly associated with hedgerow habitats, representing early observations of species now largely classified among the geometrid moths. The plant depicted is hawthorn (Crataegus), a key species in the English countryside. The soft green palette, balanced composition, and careful hand coloring give the engraving both scientific clarity and strong decorative appeal.

An original 18th-century engraving with original hand coloring.

Condition
Light to moderate age-related toning. Minor edge wear consistent with original binding. Colors remain clear and well preserved.

Framing tips
Dark walnut or ebonized frames with ivory mats enhance the antique character. For contemporary interiors, light oak with museum-white matting is recommended. UV glazing advised. Sold unframed.

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Ask about this sheet

English Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored Print
English Moths on Hawthorn Branch – Early 18th-Century Hand-Colored Print
Ref. BG-14185-45 · € 280
We reply by email, usually within one working day.

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