About this sheet
Description
An impressive set of three original hand-colored lithographic plates from Richard Tümpel's landmark work Die Geradflügler Mitteleuropas, published in Gotha by F.E. Perthes in 1908. These richly detailed natural history illustrations depict some of Central Europe's most remarkable orthopteran species, combining scientific precision with outstanding decorative appeal.
The collection includes Plates XX, XXI, and XXII, featuring an extraordinary range of grasshoppers, bush-crickets, katydids, field crickets, mole crickets, and related species. Highlights include the monumental Saga serrata, Gryllotalpa vulgaris, Locusta viridissima, Decticus verrucivorus, Acridium aegyptium, and the elegant Ephippigera and Barbitistes species.
Printed by Walter Müller in Gera, these lithographs belong to one of the most important early twentieth-century surveys of European orthoptera. Their refined coloration, balanced compositions, and exceptional taxonomic detail make them equally desirable as scientific illustrations and sophisticated decorative artworks.
Offered as an unframed set of three original antique prints. The plates have been professionally trimmed for presentation while preserving their original proportions and scale.
Literature:
Nissen, Zoologische Buchillustration, 4181.
Keywords:
orthoptera, grasshopper prints, katydid lithographs, cricket illustrations, natural history art, Richard Tümpel, hand-colored lithographs, German entomology, antique insect prints, Saga serrata, Gryllotalpa vulgaris, Locusta viridissima, Decticus verrucivorus, scientific illustration, zoological prints, Central European fauna, museum quality prints, Edwardian natural history, decorative entomology, Bartele Gallery.
Condition:
Very good antique condition with light age toning, occasional minor marginal wear, and faint handling marks consistent with age. Colors remain fresh and vibrant. Professionally trimmed for clean presentation. Sold unframed. Framed visualizations are for inspiration only and are not included in the sale.
