Set of 6 Antique 1887 Sumatra Dragonfly and Insect Lithographs, Fauna Studies

Set of 6 Antique Insect and Dragonfly Prints from Sumatra c.1880

This fine set of six antique lithographs depicts various dragonfly species (Odonata) and insects from the Dutch natural history exploration of Midden-Sumatra (Central Sumatra) in the late 19th century. Each plate is printed by P.W\.M. Trap and titled with species names and morphological studies, drawn with scientific precision and delicate natural coloring.

The lithographs include detailed anatomical studies of wing structures, body segments, and life stages, combining artistic delicacy with taxonomic clarity. Such plates were produced under the supervision of Dutch zoologists and entomologists to document the biodiversity of Indonesia, forming part of the extensive Dutch colonial scientific publications of the era.

These prints are attributed to various entomological illustrators involved in the Midden-Sumatra survey, and each is labeled with its respective plate and figure numbers. They remain highly collectible for their fine scientific illustration quality and for their documentary value, offering a window into 19th-century Southeast Asian biodiversity studies.

At the bottom more details of the species.

Condition report:

All prints are in good condition with bright original impressions. Minor age toning and a few faint foxing spots consistent with age are visible, mainly in margins. The paper remains strong with no tears or repairs.

Framing tips:

This set will display beautifully in matching slim black or dark wood frames with gold inner edges, either arranged in two rows of three or as an elegant vertical gallery. Pair with cream or pale sand-colored mats to highlight the fine linework and natural coloring, ideal for studies, libraries, or natural history-themed interiors.

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Here is the species breakdown in plain text, reading left to right, top row first, then bottom row:

Top row:

1. Plate I.1

Neurobasis luzoniensis Selys

Vestalis lugens Albarda

2. Plate II.6

Dysphaea dimidiata Selys

Rhinocypha cognata Selys

Rhinocypha basilaris Selys

Rhinocypha bisignata Selys

3. Plate IV

Various beetles and flies including Toxotus species

Bottom row:

4. Plate II.5

Macromia luzoniensis Selys

Macromia moorei Selys

Macromia cupricollis Selys

5. Plate IV

Anax ephippiger Burmeister

Macromia moorei Selys

Macromia cupricollis Selys

Dysphaea dimidiata Selys

6. Plate IV

Phyllomacromia flamiger Selys

Neurothemis tullia Selys