11481 Eleazar Albin (Active 1713–1759) – Studies of Moths and Caterpillars on Flowering Branches – Hand-coloured engraving (1720)
"To the most Noble Bridget Hyde Dutchess of Leeds this plate is humbly Dedicated by Eleazar Albin." This hand-coloured engraving illustrates the biological progression of two moth species. The upper portion shows a large, hairy caterpillar feeding on a broad green leaf, accompanied by a small pupa and two mature moths with striking orange, black, and white spotted wings. The lower section depicts a smaller caterpillar on a flowering branch with red berries, along with two adult moths with dark, muted wings and a second pupa. This work was published in London as part of A Natural History of English Insects, a pioneering entomological study. The plate serves as a detailed scientific record of eighteenth-century British biodiversity, highlighting the morphological changes of native Lepidoptera species within their natural habitats.
Eleazar Albin was an English naturalist and painter who produced some of the most significant early illustrated works on birds and insects in Great Britain. Originally a teacher of watercolours, he applied his artistic skills to natural history, raising many of the insects he illustrated to ensure accuracy in depicting their transformations. His major publications, including A Natural History of English Insects and A Natural History of Birds, were pioneering for their use of life-sized, hand-coloured engravings. Albin was noted for his dedication to empirical observation, often working with his family to produce detailed and vibrant illustrations. His legacy remains vital to the history of entomology for establishing a high standard for scientific illustration during the pre-Linnaean era.
Artist or Maker: Eleazar Albin.
Dimensions: Approximately 29 cm x 23 cm.
Medium: Hand-coloured 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.
| Estimate | 200 - 300 SEK |
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| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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