Exquisite Depiction of Butterflies and Caterpillars: A Hand-Colored Engraving
€ 90
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Sheet size
23 × 22 cm (9.1 × 8.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14000-57
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
This engraving is in good condition, with some foxing and age-toning along the edges, typical for a piece of its age. The hand-applied colors remain vivid, emphasizing the diversity and detail of the butterflies and their life stages.
About this sheet
This beautifully hand-colored copperplate engraving offers a detailed representation of various butterflies, moths, and their metamorphic stages, including caterpillars and chrysalises. The central figure, a vibrant butterfly, draws the eye with its intricate wing patterns, while surrounding illustrations provide fascinating insights into the natural lifecycle of these insects. The engraving showcases diverse species and the host plants essential for their development.
Published in Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s 'Bilderbuch für Kinder' (Picture Book for Children) in Weimar, 1805, this engraving combines artistic beauty and scientific accuracy. Bertuch’s work aimed to educate children about natural history through vivid illustrations, making this piece both a historical artifact and a work of art.
Advice on presentation: 1. Frame in a simple natural wood or gold-toned frame to complement the vibrant colors. 2. Use UV-protective glass and acid-free mats to ensure longevity and preserve the vivid hand coloring. 3. Pair with similar entomological prints to create a striking wall display in a study, library, or natural history collection. 4. Include interpretive text to highlight the educational value and historical significance of the engraving.
This piece is an ideal addition for collectors of entomological art, historical illustrations, or natural history enthusiasts seeking to showcase the beauty and complexity of the insect world.
