Original Antique Print of Peacock and Red Admiral Butterflies by Bertuch, c.1800

Original Antique Print of Peacock and Red Admiral Butterflies by Bertuch, c. 1800

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

The plate is titled “Insekten XXII / Insectes XXII” and illustrates several stages in the life cycle of three colorful butterflies.

Among the species represented is the spectacular European Peacock butterfly, instantly recognizable by the prominent eye-like markings on its wings. The lower butterfly is the Red Admiral, distinguished by its dramatic black wings crossed by vivid red-orange bands and contrasting white markings.

Alongside the adult butterflies, Bertuch illustrates their caterpillars and pupae, demonstrating the remarkable process of insect metamorphosis. This combination of scientific observation and decorative presentation is characteristic of the natural-history plates produced for his celebrated educational encyclopedia.

The butterflies are beautifully enhanced with original hand coloring in rich shades of red, yellow, blue, black and brown, making this one of the more colorful and decorative entomological plates in the series.

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.

Creator:

Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)

Source:

Bilderbuch für Kinder

Plate:

Insekten XXII / Insectes XXII

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 scattered minor spotting. Some marginal wear and minor edge irregularities. 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 butterfly print, Peacock butterfly, European Peacock, Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta, butterfly engraving, caterpillar print, chrysalis, butterfly metamorphosis, entomology print, antique insect print, natural history print, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, hand colored engraving, scientific illustration, circa 1800