Close-ups
Calopteryx & Lestes Damselfly Lithograph from Die Geradflügler, 1908
£245 ($325, €290)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1908
- Size
- 10.6 × 7.5 in (27 × 19 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good. Minor age toning, scattered light foxing, and gentle handling wear consistent with age. Colors remain fresh and well preserved with strong, clear impressions.
- Period
- 20th century
- Section
- Insects and butterflies
- Reference
- f_50840972
Title: Calopteryx & Lestes Damselfly Lithograph from Die Geradflügler, 1908
Description:
An original color lithograph depicting several of Central Europe's most elegant damselfly species, taken from Richard Tümpel's celebrated natural history work *Die Geradflügler Mitteleuropas*, published in Gotha by F.E. Perthes in 1908.
This striking plate (Tafel XI) features the brilliant Calopteryx splendens and Calopteryx virgo, renowned for their metallic bodies and iridescent wings, alongside numerous species of Lestes, including Lestes sponsa, Lestes viridis, Lestes nympha, Lestes virens, Lestes fusca, and Lestes barbara. Male and female specimens are carefully distinguished, reflecting the scientific rigor of early twentieth-century entomology.
Executed in rich chromolithography, the plate combines exceptional taxonomic accuracy with a refined decorative quality. The dramatic dark wings of the Calopteryx species create a particularly striking composition, making this one of the most visually compelling sheets from the series. It works beautifully as a standalone artwork in both contemporary and traditional interiors.
Sold unframed. Framed images are for inspiration only and may not represent the exact scale of the artwork.
Creator: Richard Tümpel (1854–1928)
Publisher: F.E. Perthes, Gotha
Date: 1908
Origin: Germany
Medium: Original color lithograph on paper
Period: Early 20th Century
Condition:
Good. Minor age toning, scattered light foxing, and gentle handling wear consistent with age. Colors remain fresh and well preserved with strong, clear impressions.
Keywords:
Calopteryx splendens, Calopteryx virgo, Lestes viridis, damselfly print, Richard Tümpel, antique entomology, natural history lithograph, German scientific illustration, chromolithography, insect art, zoological print, botanical interiors, museum quality print, decorative scientific illustration, original antique lithograph, Central European fauna, dragonfly and damselfly art.
