Antique Orthoptères Pair, Grasshoppers, Mantids & Earwigs, French c.1800

Antique Orthoptères Pair, Grasshoppers & Locusts, Elegant French Natural History c.1800

This elegant matched pair of antique natural history engravings illustrates Orthoptères, grasshoppers, locusts, and related insects, with remarkable clarity and decorative balance. Issued circa 1800 for the Dictionnaire Universel d’Histoire Naturelle, these plates correspond to Orthoptères, Plate 2 and Orthoptères, Plate 3, and were engraved after drawings by Jean Baptiste Blanchard, a leading figure in French scientific illustration at the turn of the 19th century.

Plate 2 is centered on a tall, elongated insect with extended wings and antennae, creating a strong vertical and architectural composition. Surrounding anatomical details are finely engraved and lightly hand colored, reinforcing the scientific purpose while maintaining visual restraint. Plate 3 complements this with a broader composition featuring locusts and crickets, their wings spread wide and highlighted with soft green tones. Together, the two plates create a balanced dialogue between vertical elegance and horizontal breadth.

Both prints are copper engravings with original hand coloring. The palette is natural and refined, dominated by warm browns, muted greys, and olive greens. The generous white margins and closely matched paper tone allow the pair to read as a coherent set, making them especially effective when displayed side by side.

Originally intended as educational material for the study of entomology, these plates now function beautifully as decorative wall works. Their calm coloration, symmetry, and scale make them well suited to interiors, from traditional libraries and studies to contemporary spaces where antique scientific imagery adds depth and character.

Matched Orthoptères pairs of this quality and consistency are increasingly difficult to find. Offered together, this set combines historical interest with strong decorative appeal, ideal for collectors and interior designers seeking an authentic and visually harmonious pairing.

Condition report:

Two original antique engravings with original hand coloring. Light, even age toning throughout, with minor spotting and gentle handling marks consistent with age. Margins intact, no major losses. Overall a well-matched and attractive pair.

Framing tips:

Frame both prints identically in dark walnut or smoked oak with a medium-width profile. Use wide warm-ivory mats, optionally with a subtle pale green inner slip to echo the insect tones. Museum or UV-filtering glass recommended. Hang side by side with a small gap and align at the top for a balanced, architectural presentation.

Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring

Maker: Jean Baptiste Blanchard, France, circa 1800