11482 Eleazar Albin (Active 1713–1759) – Studies of Moths and Caterpillars on Leafy Branches – Hand-coloured engraving (1720)
"To the Right Honorable The Dowr Lady Gerrard this plate is humbly Dedicated by Eleazar Albin." This hand-coloured engraving depicts the life cycles of two moth species arranged in two horizontal sections. The upper section illustrates a dark, hairy caterpillar on a serrated green branch, accompanied by its pupa and two mature moths with variegated brown and tan wings. The lower section features a similar caterpillar on a different leafy stem, along with several pupae, two adult moths with dark brown wings, and a small parasitic fly. This work was published in London as part of A Natural History of English Insects, a landmark publication that was among the first to feature hand-coloured plates of British entomology. The composition serves as a detailed scientific record of eighteenth-century biodiversity, emphasizing the direct relationship between specific insect species and their botanical host plants.
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 |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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