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Framed and on the wall
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1848 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Butterfly Life Cycle
$180 (£135, €160)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1848
- Size
- 13.7 × 10.2 in (34.8 × 25.9 cm)
- Condition
- Good. The condition is good with clear colors and sharp details preserved. Light age-related toning, typical of a piece over 160 years old. Protected by a small matting cover, the print has small remains of tape in the top, not visible.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Section
- Insects and butterflies
- Reference
- f_42862172
1848 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Butterfly Life Cycle, An Exquisite Study of Metamorphosis and Natural Beauty
This hand-colored lithograph from 1848 captures the life cycle of a butterfly in extraordinary detail, showcasing the metamorphosis from caterpillar to chrysalis to fully developed adult butterfly. The composition features two strikingly colored butterflies, each depicted with their unique patterns, alongside the stages of development, including the caterpillar, cocoon, and pupal stages.
The vivid coloring of the butterflies, particularly the deep blues and contrasting patterns, highlights the artist’s mastery and commitment to both scientific accuracy and artistic elegance. This plate was likely part of a series documenting entomological subjects and would have served both educational and decorative purposes for 19th-century naturalists and collectors.
The lithograph is professionally mounted on a cream-colored mat with delicate yellow border accents, making it an ideal piece for framing and display.
Condition Report:
- Colors: The hand-coloring is vibrant, with minimal fading. The rich blues and greens remain strikingly vivid.
- Paper: The paper is well-preserved, with only light age-related toning that enhances its antique appeal.
- Foxing: A few small spots of foxing are visible near the margins but do not affect the central illustration.
- Edges: The edges are clean and sharp, reflecting careful handling and preservation.
- Mounting: The piece is mounted on a cream-colored mat with yellow decorative borders, ready for framing.
