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Intricate Insect Life Cycle and Habitats: Hand-Colored Engraving, Bertuch, 1805
€120 ($135, £100, €120)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1805
- Size
- 9.1 × 7.5 in (23 × 19 cm)
- Condition
- Good. The engraving is in good condition, with vibrant hand-coloring and crisp details. Some light foxing and minor age-toning are present, consistent with its age.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Artist or book
- Bertuch
- Section
- Insects and butterflies
- Reference
- f_43165672
This captivating hand-colored copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s *Bilderbuch für Kinder* (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar in 1805, provides a fascinating insight into the behavior and habitats of insects.
Antlion, Myrmeleon species, and its lair. The antlion digs a pit (1,2) and hides its entire body in the sand (3) to ambush ants (4,5) and a caterpillar (6f). Building a pit by using its abdomen as a plough to expel sand (7,8).
The plate depicts various life stages of insects, their burrows, and detailed views of their movements and interactions with their environment. Each circular vignette focuses on an individual aspect of insect behavior, such as burrowing, feeding, or hatching, highlighting the complexity of their life cycles.
The meticulous detailing and vibrant hand-coloring reflect the careful balance between scientific accuracy and artistic beauty that defined Bertuch’s work. The engraving captures the viewer’s attention through its almost hypnotic composition, guiding the eye through the interconnected burrows and chambers. This plate offers a unique perspective on entomology, an emerging field in the 18th and 19th centuries, and illustrates Bertuch’s dedication to making science accessible and engaging for children and educators alike.
As part of Bertuch’s 12-volume encyclopedia, this plate was designed to inspire curiosity and educate young readers about the natural world. Its scientific precision, paired with artistic craftsmanship, makes it both a historical artifact and a stunning work of art.
Condition Report:
The engraving is in good condition, with vibrant hand-coloring and crisp details. Some light foxing and minor age-toning are present, consistent with its age.
Framing Tip:
Enhance and protect this engraving with a deep mat in cream or soft beige and an antique-style wooden frame. Use museum-grade, UV-protective glass to preserve the delicate hand-coloring and prevent further fading, ensuring this piece remains a centerpiece of any collection.
