Exceptional Coloured Butterfly Engravings

Set of eight original and exceptional hand-coloured copper plate engravings from watermarked laid paper from the exceedingly rare publication Natursystem aller Bekannten in-und Ausländischen Insekten by Carl Gustav Jablonsky (b.1756 - d.1787), published between 1783 and 1804.

Jablonsky was a German naturalist, entomologist and illustrator, he was also private secretary to Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern (b.1715 - d..1797), the Queen of Prussia.

For a more comprehensive insight into Jablonski, please read our blog here.

These engravings are from one of the earliest and most comprehensive catalogues of butterflies and insects. The publication was for made for biologists, as well as for aristocrats interested in learning about the latest discoveries. These engravings are not only scientifically accurate but also aesthetically beautiful with their natural shapes, colours and decorative patterns.

Predominantly swallow tail examples, this set is exquisite and extremely decorative.

These examples are plate XXVII (37), plate CXXIV (124) plate CXXIII (123), plate XLII (42), plate XLIV (44), plate CXXII (122), plate CXXVI (126) and XLIX (49). Included are the highly sought after and beautiful Madagascan sunset moth (a day flying moth).

Other highlights are the green-banded swallowtail, the great jay, the ceylon blue glassy tiger, the wood nymph, the ismare tiger, the common forest queen, the blue tiger, the striped blue crow, the friar, the red ring skirt and Ruth's blue. The ajax is included, however this is a historic name given to three different species, this scientific name is no longer used.

Mounted in hand-crafted wooden frames with glass, this set is exceptional and ready to display.

Dimensions (each framed image):

360mm wide

320mm high