Original Antique Print of Exotic Moths and Caterpillars by Bertuch, c. 1800

Original Antique Print of Exotic Moths and Caterpillars by Bertuch, c. 1800

Original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting two exotic moths together with their caterpillars and pupae, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” around the beginning of the 19th century.

The plate is titled “Insecten XXVI / Insectes XXVI” and illustrates the different stages in the life cycle of two spectacular moth species.

Fig. 1 presents a large and dramatically patterned moth with its wings fully extended. The dark wings are decorated with contrasting cream, green and reddish markings. Alongside it are representations of its large caterpillar and chrysalis.

Fig. 2 depicts another sphinx or hawk moth with elongated wings and attractive pink coloration, accompanied by its striking dark caterpillar with red and yellow markings and its pupal stage.

The inclusion of adult moths, caterpillars and pupae reflects the growing scientific interest in insect metamorphosis during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The insects are beautifully engraved and enhanced with original hand coloring, while the caterpillars are shown feeding on their respective host plants.

The plate bears the engraved signature “J. H. Schmuzer” at the bottom.

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, it contained hundreds of finely engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, antiquity, costumes and mythology.

A particularly decorative early entomological print, appealing to collectors of butterflies and moths, natural history and early scientific illustration.

Creator:

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)

Engraver:

J. H. Schmuzer

Source:

Bilderbuch für Kinder

Plate:

Insecten XXVI / Insectes XXVI

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. Minor marginal wear. 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:

antique moth print, hawk moth, sphinx moth, antique butterfly print, caterpillar print, moth caterpillar, insect metamorphosis, chrysalis, entomology print, insect engraving, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, J. H. Schmuzer, natural history print, hand colored engraving, scientific illustration, circa 1800