Original Antique Print of an Atlas Moth by Bertuch, circa 1800

Original Antique Print of an Atlas Moth by Bertuch, circa 1800

Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting the magnificent Atlas moth (Attacus atlas), one of the largest and most spectacular moths in the world.

The plate is titled “Insecten XXVIII / Insectes XXVIII” and originates from Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder,” published in Weimar around 1800.

The enormous moth is shown with its wings fully extended across a flowering branch. Its richly patterned wings are beautifully rendered in shades of rust, ochre, cream, black and pink, with the characteristic translucent, window-like markings prominently displayed. The combination of the dramatically oversized insect and delicate botanical background makes this one of the more visually striking natural-history subjects in Bertuch’s series.

The Atlas moth is native to the tropical forests of South and Southeast Asia and is renowned for its extraordinary wingspan. Its distinctive wing tips have often been noted for their resemblance to the head of a snake, possibly serving as a defensive adaptation against predators.

The engraving bears the inscription “Jacob H. Schmuzer” at lower right.

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822) was a German publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “Bilderbuch für Kinder” (Picture Book for Children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, the work contained hundreds of finely engraved and hand-colored plates devoted to natural history, geography, science, technology, costumes and mythology.

A particularly decorative and impressive antique natural-history print, well suited to collectors of butterflies and moths, entomology and early scientific illustration.

Creator:

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)

Engraver:

Jacob H. Schmuzer

Source:

Bilderbuch für Kinder

Plate:

Insecten XXVIII / Insectes XXVIII

Place of Publication:

Weimar, Germany

Date of Manufacture:

Circa 1800

Period:

Early 19th Century

Style:

Neoclassical, In the Period of

Medium:

Original hand-colored copper engraving on paper

Condition:

Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and occasional minor spotting. Some marginal wear and small imperfections, particularly along the right edge. Original hand coloring remains strong and attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.

Please note:

This is an original antique print from circa 1800, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only.

Keywords:

Atlas moth print, Attacus atlas, antique moth print, antique butterfly print, giant moth, moth engraving, insect engraving, entomology print, antique insect print, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, Jacob Schmuzer, natural history print, hand colored engraving, scientific illustration, butterfly wall art, circa 1800