English Moths on Rowan & Hawthorn – Hand-Colored Insect Engraving, Albin 1720
This hand-colored copper engraving was published in London in 1720 as part of A Natural History of English Insects by Eleazar Albin, one of the foundational works of British entomology. The plate illustrates moths and caterpillars shown in different stages of development, arranged in direct relation to their host plants. Albin’s approach of documenting insects alongside their food sources was highly innovative and places this work among the earliest systematic studies of English insects.
The engraving is dedicated “To the Honorable Edward Southwell Esq.” Edward Southwell was a British politician and landowner, best known for his role as Principal Secretary of State for Ireland. His inclusion reflects the patronage networks that supported early natural history publishing in Georgian England.
The host plants depicted are rowan (Sorbus) and hawthorn (Crataegus), both rendered with botanical clarity. The insects shown are moths and their larvae associated with hedgerow and woodland environments. While Albin’s nomenclature predates modern taxonomy, the plate likely represents early observations of geometrid and noctuid moths, groups commonly associated with these plants.
The balanced layout, soft green foliage, and warm, muted tones give the engraving a strong decorative quality, making it particularly suitable for framing in interior settings. As issued, the print retains its original hand coloring, applied under Albin’s supervision, giving the surface a subtle depth and period character.
This is an original 18th-century engraving, not a later reproduction.
Condition: Light to moderate, even age-related toning consistent with early 18th-century paper. Minor edge wear from original binding. Original hand coloring remains clear and well preserved.
Framing tips: This engraving frames beautifully in dark walnut or ebonized wood with a generous ivory or soft cream mat, enhancing the warmth of the aged paper. For a lighter, contemporary interior, a pale oak or natural wood frame with a museum-white mat works particularly well. UV-protective glazing is recommended to preserve the original hand coloring. The print is sold unframed, allowing full flexibility for custom presentation.
Keywords: Eleazar Albin, English insects, antique insect print, entomology engraving, hand colored engraving, Georgian natural history, 18th century print, British insects, moth engraving, caterpillar illustration, hawthorn leaves, rowan berries, botanical entomology, antique scientific illustration, natural history art, interior designer wall art, decorative antique print, London 1720, early entomology, collector print
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring Maker: Eleazar Albin, London, 1720
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.