Comma Butterfly, Burnet Moth
10 1/2 by 14 3/8 inches
AN1 $245
There are hardly words to describe the beauty of Moses Harris The Aurelian, a work we have long searched for. Here we have it in the superb Bohn edition, actually considered by many as superior to the earlier editions for its brilliant hand coloring and high quality Whatman paper.
The first work of Harris (1731 - 1785), an erudite engraver & entomologist, was Natural System of Colours (1766). This examination of the science of Isaac Newton explored the relationship of primary colours & the formation of the secondary colours from them.
Undoubtedly, this gave Harris the insight for his masterpiece, The Aurelian, published in 1766, with some of the most spectacular drawings of English butterflies and moths ever made. In a few, he did use elements of the work of Admiral, another entomologist of the day, but far surpassed him in the elegance and fluidity of design of each print.
References include The Art of Natural History p. 103-104 & Wikipedia, linked below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Harris
Each print is on heavy stock Whatman paper measuring 10 1/2 inches wide by 14 3/8 long, with the occasional watermark, and in excellent condition, entirely free of blemishes of any type. The hand colouring is vibrant, enhanced by gum arabic. The plates are breathtakingly beautiful, and a rare addition to the print lover’s collection. A color copy of the decorative title page will be included with each print.
