Bertuch, Three Moths and Metamorphosis, 1800, Engraving

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Original antique print of three moths and metamorphosis by bertuch, c. 1800 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting three species … Read more Original antique print of three moths and metamorphosis by bertuch, c. 1800 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting three species of moths together with their caterpillar and chrysalis stages, published in friedrich justin bertuch’s celebrated “bilderbuch für kinder” around the beginning of the 19th century. The plate is titled “insecten xxiv / insectes xxiv” and provides an attractive early scientific representation of insect metamorphosis, showing each moth alongside its larval and pupal stages. Fig. 1 depicts a particularly colorful moth with boldly patterned black-and-white forewings and vivid red hindwings decorated with dark blue markings. Its striking hairy caterpillar is illustrated immediately below, together with the dark chrysalis from which the adult moth emerges. Fig. 2 shows a more restrained gray moth with beautifully engraved patterned wings. Below it is the elongated caterpillar, while its unusual partly exposed chrysalis is shown separately to the right. Fig. 3 depicts an eye-spotted moth with intricate green, cream, pink and black markings. The prominent circular markings on the wings resemble eyes, a natural form of visual defense found among numerous moth species. Its green caterpillar, decorated with orange spots and fine hairs, and its dark chrysalis are illustrated below. The inclusion of adult insects together with caterpillars and chrysalises reflects the growing scientific interest in metamorphosis and entomology during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The engraving is beautifully enhanced with original hand coloring in shades of red, blue, green, yellow, gray and black. The combination of three distinctly different moths and their developmental stages makes this an especially appealing early natural-history plate. Friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) was a german publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “bilderbuch für kinder” (picture book for children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Published in weimar from 1790 onward, it contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates covering natural history, geography, science, technology, antiquity and numerous other subjects. Creator: friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) source: bilderbuch für kinder plate: insecten xxiv / insectes xxiv place of publication: weimar, germany date of manufacture: circa 1800 period: early 19th century style: neoclassical – in the period of medium: original hand-colored copper engraving on paper condition: good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and scattered minor spotting and marks. Minor marginal wear and edge irregularities. Original hand coloring remains strong and attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition. Please note: this is an original antique print from around 1800, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only. Other companion butterfly, moth and natural-history plates from bertuch’s “bilderbuch für kinder” are also available separately. Keywords: antique moth print, moth engraving, antique insect print, caterpillar print, chrysalis print, moth metamorphosis, insect life cycle, eye spotted moth, entomology print, natural history print, zoological engraving, bertuch print, friedrich justin bertuch, hand colored engraving, scientific illustration, cabinet of curiosities, circa 1800 See less