Original Antique Print of Exotic Moths and Butterflies by Bertuch, c.1820
Original antique hand-colored engraving depicting four spectacular moths and butterflies, published in Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s celebrated “Bilderbuch für Kinder” during the early 19th century.
The plate is titled “Insecten LXXXI / Insecta LXXXI / Insectes LXXXI” and bears the reference “XV.B.45” at lower right.
Dominating the composition is Fig. 1, an extraordinary large pale yellow-green silk moth with exceptionally long, elegant tails extending from the hindwings. Delicate linear markings, circular eyespots and subtle red accents give the insect an almost ethereal appearance.
Fig. 2 depicts another impressive large moth with broad brown forewings and richly patterned hindwings in black, pink and cream. Its strongly striped abdomen and unusual green markings add to the exotic character of the specimen.
Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate two smaller but vividly colored butterflies. Fig. 3 combines brilliant red-orange wings with dramatic black markings, while Fig. 4 is predominantly black with a striking border of blue, orange and cream eyespots.
The considerable difference in scale between the enormous long-tailed moth and the smaller butterflies creates a particularly effective composition. The restrained pale coloring of the upper specimen contrasts beautifully with the intense red, blue, black and pink of the insects below.
The engraving is enhanced with original hand coloring and is a fine example of the fascination with exotic Lepidoptera in European natural-history publications of the early 19th century.
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 most ambitious illustrated educational encyclopedias of its period. Published in Weimar from 1790 onward, it contained hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates devoted to zoology, botany, geography, science, technology, antiquity and numerous other subjects.
Creator:
Friedrich Justin Bertuch (1747–1822)
Source:
Bilderbuch für Kinder
Plate:
Insecten LXXXI / Insecta LXXXI / Insectes LXXXI
Reference:
XV.B.45
Subject:
Exotic Moths and Butterflies
Place of Publication:
Weimar, Germany
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1820
Period:
Early 19th Century
Style:
Neoclassical – In the Period of
Medium:
Original hand-colored engraving on paper
Condition:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. General age-related toning with scattered foxing, spotting and minor marks. Some discoloration and handling wear are visible. Minor marginal wear and edge irregularities, particularly along the right edge. Original hand coloring remains strong and attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition.
Please note:
This is an original antique engraving from the early 19th century, 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, antique butterfly print, giant silk moth, long tailed moth, exotic moths, exotic butterflies, Lepidoptera, butterfly engraving, moth engraving, entomology print, natural history print, cabinet of curiosities, scientific illustration, Bertuch print, Friedrich Justin Bertuch, hand colored engraving, early 19th century