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Hand-Colored 1805 Butterfly Print by Bertuch - Convolvulus & Privet Hawk-Moth
$160 (£120, €140)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1805
- Size
- 9.8 × 7.5 in (25 × 19 cm)
- Condition
- Good. This print shows minor edge wear, slight toning, and a few faint foxing spots, typical for its age. Colors are vibrant and well-preserved, with no significant tears or losses. Overall, the engraving retains an excellent visual appeal.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Artist or book
- Bertuch
- Section
- Insects and butterflies
- Reference
- f_42445202
Hand-Colored 1805 Butterfly Print by Friedrich J. Bertuch - Convolvulus & Privet Hawk-Moth
Description: This hand-colored copperplate engraving, from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar in 1805, features detailed illustrations of the Convolvulus Hawk-Moth (Agrius convolvuli) and Privet Hawk-Moth (Sphinx ligustri).
The print depicts various life stages, including the moth, larva, and pupa. Bertuch's 12-volume encyclopedia, created for children and published between 1790-1830, included 1,200 plates, offering a unique insight into natural history, costume, mythology, and science. This engraving exemplifies the blend of educational intent and artistic finesse, showcasing the beautiful and scientifically accurate depiction of these hawk moths. Bertuch's work remains a testament to early natural history illustration and education.
Condition Report: Slight toning; minor edge wear, colors still vibrant.
