Bilder Eleazar Albin (1690–1742) – Life Cycle of the Privet Hawk Moth – Hand-colored engraving (1720)

Beskrivning

This hand-colored engraving presents a detailed biological study of the Privet Hawk Moth (Sphinx ligustri) across various stages of its development. The central focus is a green caterpillar with characteristic diagonal purple and white stripes resting on a leafy branch. Adjacent to it are depictions of two adult moths showing the intricate pink and black banded patterns of the abdomen and the mottled brown forewings, alongside illustrations of the insect's eggs and dark pupa. The plate includes a formal dedication at the bottom to the Right Honorable Ann Somerset, Countess Dowager of Coventry, reflecting the 18th-century practice of securing aristocratic patronage for scientific publications. This work is a primary plate from the seminal publication A Natural History of English Insects, which was among the first to provide detailed colored illustrations of the insect life cycles of Great Britain.

Eleazar Albin was a prominent English natural history illustrator and painter who produced several significant works on insects, birds, and spiders during the early 18th century. Originally a teacher of watercolor and drawing, Albin applied his artistic skills to the budding field of entomology, often raising the specimens himself to ensure accuracy in depicting their metamorphosis. His most famous work, A Natural History of English Insects, was the result of over seven years of observation and was highly valued for its aesthetic quality and scientific contribution. Albin's work was notable for being funded through a subscription model, counting many members of the British nobility and fellow scientists as his supporters.

Artist or Maker: Eleazar Albin.

Dimensions: Approximately 28 cm x 23 cm.

Medium: Hand-colored engraving.

Date: 1720.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.