Carl Bertuch, Chief Goliath and Hercules Beetles, Hand-Coloured Copperplate Engraving, 1810, Print

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Title: "Chief Goliath and Hercules Beetles" - Hand-Coloured Copperplate Engraving from Bertuch's 'Bilderbuch für Kinder' (1810) : This captivating hand-coloured … Read more Title: "Chief Goliath and Hercules Beetles" - Hand-Coloured Copperplate Engraving from Bertuch's 'Bilderbuch für Kinder' (1810) : This captivating hand-coloured copperplate engraving features the impressive "Chief Goliath" beetles (Goliathus cacicus) labeled as figures 1 and 3, and the majestic "Hercules Beetle" (Dynastes hercules) depicted as figure 2. Published in 1810, this plate originates from 'Bilderbuch für Kinder' (Picture Book for Children) by Carl Bertuch, a 12-volume children's encyclopedia illustrated with nearly 1,200 engraved plates on natural history, science, mythology, and more. The encyclopedia was published in Weimar from 1790 to 1830 and served as an early educational resource designed to introduce children to the wonders of the world. The intricacy of the hand colouring highlights the striking patterns of the Goliath beetles and the formidable horn of the Hercules beetle, bringing these giants of the insect world to life with vivid accuracy. The engraving captures the anatomical features of each beetle in exquisite detail, reflecting both artistic craftsmanship and a dedication to natural history education. Printed on high-quality laid paper, this plate maintains an elegant texture that enhances its historical charm. It is a wonderful addition to any collection of entomological art or early educational materials, celebrating the natural world's grandeur and its presentation to young minds during the early 19th century. See less