Print Description
The print features a detailed depiction of a Lackey moth (Malacosoma neustria) caterpillar in its characteristic silken tent on a broad leaf. The caterpillar is shown in different stages of its lifecycle, from larvae to cocoon, with the adult moths hovering nearby. The background is kept simple to focus attention on the intricate details of the leaves and insects. The hand-coloring emphasizes the rich textures and patterns of the moth’s wings and the caterpillar’s body, reflecting the scientific interest in natural history during the 18th century.
Made by Jacob l’Admiral after own design.
Medium: Attractively hand-colored etching and stipple engraving on Hand laid (verge) paper. Watermark: French lily and Strasbourg bend.
Sheet size: 23 x 31 cm (9.06 x 12.2 inch). Image size: 19 x 26 cm. (7.48 x 10.24 inch).
Condition: very good, given age. With attractuve contempary hand coloring. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
LACKEY MOTH, MALACOSOMA NEUSTRIA, CATERPILLAR, SILKEN TENT, JACOB L’ADMIRAL, 18TH CENTURY, NATURAL HISTORY, BOTANICAL ENGRAVING, HAND-COLORED COPPERPLATE ENGRAVING, INSECTS, METAMORPHOSIS | EXPO-NATURE
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
From “Naauwkeurige Waarneemingen omtrent de veranderingen van veele Insekten” (Accurate Descriptions of the Metamorphoses of Insects), published by J. Sluyter, Amsterdam, 1774.
Biography engraver: Jacob l’Admiral (1700-1770) was a Dutch artist and engraver known for his detailed and accurate depictions of insects and plants. His work was highly regarded for its scientific accuracy and artistic quality. L’Admiral contributed to several important works on natural history, and his engravings are considered valuable both for their artistic merit and their contribution to the study of entomology in the 18th century.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.