L'Admiral Original Hand Colored Copper Plate Engravings PLATE II, Blue Moth, Oak

PLATE II, Blue Moth, Oak
LAD2 $245
10 by 15 1/2 inches

We are pleased to offer these rare and highly decorative, copper engravings by Jacob L'Admiral, Amsterdam 1700 - 1770, with contemporary hand-coloring. L'Admiral studied the life-cycle and metamorphosis of a number of species of butterflies, moths and other insects and most plates show the life cycles of the insects depicted, from egg to caterpillar to pupa to adult as well as important host plants. L'Admiral continued to enhance the growing body of scientific work of this age that was begun by pioneers in the field such as Maria Sibylla Merian. L'Admiral's work was incomplete and starting in 1740 he published only 33 copper engravings before his death, of a series he intended to be much larger.

The plates are of high quality with strong engraving and vibrant hand colouring on fine, chain-lined (laid) paper. Overall condition is excellent with virtually no foxing or staining. Each print measures about 10 x 15 ½ inches. They represent a wonderful opportunity to acquire samples of an exceedingly rare work at a great price.