Bilder Eleazar Albin (1690–1742) – Life Cycle of the Large White and Orange-tip Butterflies – Hand-colored engraving (1720)

Beskrivning

This hand-colored engraving presents a detailed biological study of two butterfly species and their metamorphosis stages. The central focus is a flowering nasturtium plant, upon which a blue and yellow striped caterpillar is shown feeding on a large leaf. Surrounding the plant are four adult butterflies, including the Large White with its characteristic black-spotted white wings and the Orange-tip showing its vibrant orange wing apexes. The illustration also includes a cluster of yellow eggs and a dark, speckled pupa positioned at the base of the plant. The plate features a formal dedication at the bottom to Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, reflecting the 18th-century practice of securing high-level royal 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 the royal family 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.