Antique Hand-Colored Moth and Butterfly Prints - Rare 19th-Century Illustrations

Reference
BG-13887-7, BG-13887-8
Category
Engraving
Sheet size
14.7 x 23.4 cm (5.8 x 9.2 in)
Availability
Available
Price
EUR 220

Title: Antique Hand-Colored Moth and Butterfly Prints by Blanchard and Fournier – Rare 19th-Century Natural History Illustrations

This set of two exquisite antique prints showcases detailed hand-colored engravings of moths and butterflies, emphasizing the beauty and diversity of Lepidoptera. Created by Blanchard and Fournier in the 19th century, these plates are part of a larger series dedicated to natural history and entomology. They feature remarkable artistry and scientific precision, making them prized collectibles for lovers of natural history.

1. Plate 1: - Species Depicted: - Attacus grand paon de nuit (Saturnia pyri), also known as the Giant Peacock Moth, Europe's largest moth. - Attacus petit paon de nuit (Saturnia pavonia), the Small Emperor Moth. - These stunning moths are illustrated with their iconic eye-like wing patterns, used as a defense mechanism to deter predators.

2. Plate 2: - Species Depicted: - Sphinx tête de mort (Acherontia atropos), the Death's-head Hawkmoth, famous for the skull-like marking on its thorax. - Zygène de la filipendule (Zygaena filipendulae), the Six-spot Burnet Moth, known for its vibrant red spots. - Syntomeida phageo (Syntomis phageo), a colorful day-flying moth with a striking black and green pattern. - This plate highlights both the dramatic patterns and vibrant coloration of these species, showcasing their unique adaptations.

These prints are perfect examples of the intersection of art and science, with meticulous detailing and vivid hand-coloring. They serve as a historical record of entomological studies and an artistic celebration of nature’s diversity.

Keywords: Antique moth and butterfly prints, hand-colored natural history engravings, 19th-century Lepidoptera art, Blanchard Fournier entomology illustrations, Saturnia pyri, Death's-head Hawkmoth, collectible insect art, vintage scientific prints, natural history decor.

Perfect for collectors of antique scientific illustrations, these prints are ready to be framed and displayed in a study, library, or as part of a curated gallery wall.

Where this sits in the catalogue


Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.