The Aurelian; A Natural History of English Moths and Butterflies. Plate VI: The Admirable

Description:

A delightful hand-coloured copper engraving from the rare first edition of The Aurelian, 1766. The plate depicts the 'Admirable' (=Red Admiral butterfly Vanessa atalanta) and the 'Small Magpie' (Eurrhypara hortulata) showing the various developmental stages on a Great Stinging-Nettle plant (Urtica major vulgaris). Foot of image, engraved 'Moses Harris ad Vivum', indicating that the drawing was made from living specimens. Original accompanying text leaf loosely enclosed at rear of mount.

Lower margin of each plate includes a dedication to a subscriber or patron, accompanied with the appropriate coat of arms. This dedication reads, 'To her Grace the Dutchess of Grafton. This Plate is humbly Inscribed by her Graces [sic] most Obedient & faithful Serv’t Moses Harris'.

Moses Harris (1730-c.1788) was an English entomologist, painter, engraver and book illustrator, one of the most celebrated masters of insect portraiture. His most famous work, The Aurelian is considered one of the finest illustrated books of the eighteenth century; it is greatly admired for its artistic and accurate depictions of butterflies and moths, presented in the various stages of their life cycles.

Condition

Hinged onto card window mount. Image 298x230mm, mount 455x355mm.