English Moths on Hawthorn, Hand-Colored Insect Engraving, Albin 1720

English Moths on Hawthorn, Hand-Colored Insect Engraving, Eleazar Albin 1720

This hand-colored copper engraving was published in London in 1720 as part of A Natural History of English Insects by Eleazar Albin, one of the foundational works of British entomology. The plate depicts moths and caterpillars shown in different stages of development, arranged around a hawthorn branch. Albin’s method of illustrating insects in direct relationship to their host plants was innovative for its time and places this work among the earliest systematic studies of English insects.

The engraving is dedicated “To Mr. Bovey of Flaxley,” a member of the English gentry and an early supporter of scientific publishing. Such dedications reflect the subscription-based patronage system that enabled the production of natural history works in early Georgian England and link the plate directly to its contemporary social context.

The insects shown are moths and their larvae associated with hedgerow environments, likely early observations of species now classified within the geometrid and noctuid moth families. The host plant depicted is hawthorn (Crataegus), rendered with botanical clarity and decorative balance. The restrained palette of soft greens and warm browns, combined with generous use of open paper, gives the engraving a calm and refined presence that works equally well as a collector’s piece and as decorative wall art.

This is an original 18th-century engraving with its original hand coloring, applied under Albin’s supervision. It is not a later reproduction.

Condition

Light to moderate, even age-related toning consistent with early 18th-century paper. Minor edge wear from original binding. Original hand coloring remains clear and well preserved.

Framing tips

This engraving frames beautifully in dark walnut or ebonized wood with a generous ivory or soft cream mat, enhancing the warmth of the aged paper. For a lighter, contemporary interior, a pale oak or natural wood frame with a museum-white mat works particularly well. UV-protective glazing is recommended to preserve the original hand coloring. The print is sold unframed, allowing full flexibility for custom presentation.

Keywords

Eleazar Albin, English insects, antique insect print, entomology engraving, hand colored engraving, Georgian natural history, 18th century print, British insects, moth engraving, caterpillar illustration, hawthorn leaves, Crataegus, hedgerow insects, botanical entomology, antique scientific illustration, natural history art, interior designer wall art, decorative antique print, London 1720, early entomology, collector print

Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring

Maker: Eleazar Albin, London, 1720