Insects & Arachnids · 20th century
€ 595
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good. Minor age toning, occasional light foxing and handling marks consistent with age. Strong, fresh impressions with vivid original colors.
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.
Sold as: Set of 3 plates
Keywords: dragonfly prints, damselfly lithographs, entomology art, natural history prints, Richard Tümpel, German scientific illustration, zoological lithographs, insect art, antique dragonfly illustrations, Jugendstil naturalism, European fauna, decorative scientific prints, ornithology and entomology collectors, museum quality works, 1908 lithographs.
