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Antique Butterfly Prints (Set of 2), Sumatra Lepidoptera c.1887
€440 ($490, £370, €440)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1887
- Size
- 10.4 × 6.9 in (26.3 × 17.5 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Both prints are in very good condition with bright original coloring and strong impressions. Minor age toning and faint margin spots typical of age are present but do not affect the images. The paper remains strong with no tears or repairs.
- Period
- Late 19th century
- Section
- Insects and butterflies
- Reference
- f_45639372
- Colour
- Hand coloured
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.
Set of 2 Antique Butterfly Prints, Sumatra Lepidoptera c.1887
This pair of antique lithographs depicts various butterfly species from Sumatra, published as part of the Dutch natural history exploration of Midden-Sumatra (Central Sumatra) in the late 19th century. The plates are titled *Midden-Sumatra IV.8 Lepid. Pl. I* and *Lepid. Pl. II*, drawn by A.J.W. and printed by P.W\.M. Trap.
The first plate features species including Euploea aegyptus, Limenitis, and Terias hecabe, beautifully illustrated with rich brown, white, and vibrant yellow coloration. The second plate depicts Euploea alcesenheimeri, Acraea vesta, Pieris panda, and Terias hecabe. Both plates include anatomical studies and life stages, showcasing the butterflies' wings, bodies, and caterpillar forms with fine scientific accuracy and artistic clarity.
These prints were produced under the supervision of Dutch entomologists to document the remarkable biodiversity of Indonesia. They remain highly collectible for their combination of scientific illustration and decorative beauty, ideal for natural history enthusiasts, butterfly collectors, and tropical biodiversity studies.
Condition report:
Both prints are in very good condition with bright original coloring and strong impressions. Minor age toning and faint margin spots typical of age are present but do not affect the images. The paper remains strong with no tears or repairs.
Framing tips:
These lithographs will display beautifully in matching slim black or dark wood frames with a gold inner edge to emphasise their vivid coloration. Pair with cream or pale sand-colored mats for an elegant presentation ideal for libraries, studies, or natural history-themed interiors.
