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1858 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Flower Beetles on a Blossom
£110 ($145, €130)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1858
- Size
- 13.7 × 10.2 in (34.8 × 25.9 cm)
- Condition
- Good. The condition is good with clear colors, minor foxing, 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
- Late 19th century
- Section
- Insects and butterflies
- Reference
- f_42861322
1858 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Flower Beetles on a Blossom, Elegant Natural History Illustration
This illustration depicts two vividly colored beetles, likely representing species from the 'Goliathus' or 'Pachnoda' genus, commonly known as flower beetles or scarab beetles. These beetles are admired for their striking patterns and association with flowers, which they often feed on.
Historical Context: The date "1858" on this plate identifies it as a mid-19th-century hand-colored lithograph, characteristic of natural history illustrations. These works often served dual purposes of scientific documentation and decorative appeal, appealing to naturalists and collectors alike. This specific plate focuses on beetles, a group frequently highlighted in entomological studies for their diverse appearances and ecological importance.
This exquisite hand-colored lithograph, dated 1858, showcases two beautifully detailed flower beetles perched on a blooming white flower. The intricate patterns on their carapaces, featuring bright green and yellow spots, are meticulously rendered, capturing the natural beauty and scientific significance of these scarab beetles. The botanical backdrop enhances the composition, emphasizing the beetles' ecological relationship with flowering plants.
The lithograph is mounted on a thin cream-colored mat with decorative borders, perfect for framing or display. The plate is marked with the year “1858” and a small numeral “2” in the lower corners, indicating its origin in a larger series of entomological or natural history studies.
Condition Report:
- The colors remain vibrant and striking, showing minimal fading.
- The paper exhibits minor toning consistent with age, but the central image is unaffected.
- A few faint foxing marks are visible along the margins but do not detract from the illustration’s overall aesthetic.
- Mounted on a cream-colored mat for added protection and presentation.
