Richard Tümpel, Mantis, Stick Insects & Grasshoppers, 1908, Lithograph, Set of 3

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Mantis, stick insects & grasshoppers – antique prints, set of 3, 1908 : a striking set of three original color … Read more Mantis, stick insects & grasshoppers – antique prints, set of 3, 1908 : a striking set of three original color lithographs from richard tümpel's landmark natural history publication die geradflügler mitteleuropas, issued in gotha by f.e. Perthes in 1908. These beautifully composed plates present an extraordinary survey of central european orthopterans and related insects, combining rigorous scientific observation with exceptional decorative appeal. Tafel xv features earwigs, cockroaches, and the remarkable stick insect bacillus rossii, alongside species including forficula auricularia, labidura riparia, anechura bipunctata, periplaneta orientalis, and phyllodromia germanica. The monumental central stick insect creates one of the most distinctive compositions in the series. Tafel xvi is devoted to grasshoppers and mantises, dominated by an elegant mantis religiosa and numerous species of stenobothrus, parapleurus alliaceus, mecostethus grossus, and chrysochraon brachypterus. The varied greens and ochres give the plate a particularly harmonious, botanical character. Tafel xviii presents vividly colored locusts and grasshoppers, including oedipoda miniata, oedipoda variabilis, gomphocerus rufus, stethophyma fuscum, epacromia thalassina, and stauronotus brevicollis. The dramatic crimson wings of several species provide an arresting visual contrast and make this one of the most decorative plates from the publication. Produced using fine chromolithographic techniques, these works belong to the final great tradition of european scientific illustration before photography became dominant. Their balanced compositions, subtle coloration, and remarkable detail make them equally suitable for collectors of natural history and sophisticated contemporary interiors. The prints originate from richard tümpel's die geradflügler mitteleuropas. Gotha: f.e. Perthes, 1908. Quarto. 308 pages with 23 lithographic plates, including 20 in color. Reference: nissen, zoologische buchillustration 4181. Sold unframed. Framed images are for presentation purposes only and may not always represent the exact scale of the artworks. Creator: richard tümpel (1854–1928) publisher: f.e. Perthes, gotha date: 1908 origin: germany medium: original color lithographs on paper period: early 20th century condition: good. Minor age toning, occasional light foxing, and gentle handling wear consistent with age. The colors remain fresh and vibrant with strong impressions throughout. Keywords: mantis religiosa, stick insect print, earwig lithograph, grasshopper illustration, richard tümpel, antique entomology, natural history art, german scientific illustration, chromolithography, insect prints, orthoptera, museum quality works, decorative scientific art, original antique lithographs, central european fauna, botanical interiors, collectible natural history prints. See less