Set of Three Dragonfly Lithographs from Die Geradflügler Mitteleuropas, 1908
€ 595
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1908
Publisher
F.E. Perthes, Gotha
Sheet size
27 × 19 cm (10.6 × 7.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14308-2, -3, -4
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
Good. Minor age toning, occasional light foxing and handling marks consistent with age. Strong, fresh impressions with vivid original colors.
About this sheet
A striking set of three original scientific lithographs depicting dragonflies and damselflies from Richard Tümpel's celebrated work Die Geradflügler Mitteleuropas, published in Gotha by F.E. Perthes in 1908. The plates present meticulously rendered specimens with exceptional attention to wing venation, coloration, and anatomical detail, accompanied by their contemporary scientific nomenclature.
The compositions feature both male and female examples of numerous species, including Libellula quadrimaculata, Libellula depressa, Libellula cancellata, Libellula pectoralis, Agrion mercuriale, Agrion puella, and others. Executed as fine color lithographs, these works exemplify the golden age of natural history illustration, combining scientific precision with remarkable decorative appeal.
Originally intended for educational and taxonomic study, the prints today are highly sought after as wall decoration, particularly in botanical, natural history, and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Their elegant symmetry and subtle coloration lend themselves beautifully to modern framing schemes.
The set originates from the complete volume: Richard Tümpel, Die Geradflügler Mitteleuropas, Gotha, F.E. Perthes, 1908.
Sold unframed. Framed images are for inspiration only and may not always be shown to exact scale.
Creator: Richard Tümpel (German, 1854–1928) Publisher: F.E. Perthes, Gotha Date: 1908 Medium: Original color lithographs on paper
Condition: Good. Minor age toning, occasional light foxing and handling marks consistent with age. Strong, fresh impressions with vivid original colors.
