Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving
Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving, view 2

Close-ups

Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving, close-up 1Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving, close-up 2Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving, close-up 3Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving, close-up 4Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving, close-up 5

Framed and on the wall

Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving, shown framedDetailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving, shown framed on a wallDetailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving, shown framed in a room

Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.

Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving

€170 ($190, £145, €170)

Period original, not a reproduction.

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Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.

Date
1798
Size
10.1 × 7.8 in (25.7 × 19.7 cm)
Condition
Good. The print is in good condition for its age, with vibrant hand-coloring, sharp engraved details, intact edges, slight age-toning, and minor foxing typical of 18th-century works. A well-preserved piece ideal for display or collection.
Period
18th century
Artist or book
Bertuch
Section
Insects and butterflies
Reference
f_43313382

Title: Detailed Study of Butterfly Wing Structures, 1798 Hand-Colored Engraving

Description: This 1798 hand-colored copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children) intricately illustrates the structure, skeleton, and microscopic details of a butterfly's wing.

It features cross-sections, scales, and patterns (Figs. 1-5) with vivid hand-coloring highlighting the delicate textures and patterns of the scales. The engraving provides a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century natural history studies and reflects Bertuch's dedication to education and artistry in his 12-volume encyclopedia for children.

This print is a beautiful combination of scientific accuracy and artistic elegance, ideal for collectors or as a decorative piece.