Whispers of Wings: A Butterfly Triptych Collage, 1890
€ 230
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1890
Sheet size
25.4 × 17.3 cm (10.0 × 6.8 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13260-19, BG-13260-20, BG-13260-21
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
Given age, general age-related toning. Some small spots. Please study scan carefully.
About this sheet
The butterflies presented in these hand-colored plates from the 1890 edition of 'A History of British Butterflies' by Morris include:
1. Large Meadow Brown (likely Maniola jurtina) - This butterfly typically showcases wings that are a rich, tawny brown color. The males usually have a single, prominent eyespot on the forewing, whereas the females may have several, more discreet ones. This species is interesting because of its widespread nature and adaptability to various habitats, often found in grassy meadows throughout Europe.
2. Heath Butterfly (likely Coenonympha pamphilus, also known as the Small Heath) - The Small Heath is a small butterfly with a wingspan of about 30 mm. It's characterized by its understated yet elegant coloration: earthy browns with eye-catching eye spots on the wings and subtle orange patches. This butterfly is compelling for its behavior of flying low to the ground and its tendency to rest with its wings closed, revealing the camouflaged undersides that blend with the grassy environment.
3. Least Meadow Brown (this is a less common name, possibly an older term for a known species or a variation of the Small or Common Meadow Brown, which could refer to various species in the Maniola or Hyponephele genus) - If this refers to a smaller species or subspecies within the aforementioned genera, it would be characterized by its smaller size and perhaps more delicate features. The interest in such species often lies in their specific habitat requirements and behaviors, which can be crucial for understanding biodiversity and conservation needs.
What makes these butterflies particularly interesting is their ability to adapt to the environmental conditions of meadows and grasslands, as well as their contributions to the ecosystem as pollinators. Their varying levels of commonness or rarity also provide insights into the health of their habitats. The hand-colored plates themselves serve as historical artifacts, showcasing the meticulous art of natural history illustration and the endeavor to catalog and understand biodiversity during the period of publication.
