Antique Print-BEETLE SPECIES-INSECTS-TAB: I-Rosel von Rosenhof-1765

‘Scarabaeorum Terrestrum Praefat. Classis II. Tab: I.’

Engraving with original hand colouring on hand laid (verge) paper. Watermark: On some sheets French lily in coat of arms..
Sheet size: 16 x 20,5 cm. (6,3 x 8,1 inch). Image size: 13 x 17,5 cm. (5,1 x 6,9 inch).

From: ‘Monatlich- Herausgegeben Insecten Belustigung.’, by Rosel von Rosenhof, published 1746-1749. This work is considered the finest German work on Insects. The plates are identical to a later Dutch ed.: ‘De Natuurlyke Historie der Insecten …’ with commentary and text for written by C.F.C. Kleemann. Haarlem and Amsterdam: C.H. Bohn and H. Gartman, 1765-1782.

Made by ‘A.J. Rosel von Rosenhof’ after own design. Augustus Johannes Rosel von Rosenhof (1705-59) was a German miniature painter, and naturalist and entomologist. Roesel studied painting with his father and uncle, and later with the renowned Preisler in Nuremberg. While living in Copenhagen, he became inspired by the work of Maria Sibylla Merian. He returned to Nuremberg to devote himself largely to entomological studies and illustration, aided by his wife who hand colored his drawings and his son in law, who assisted in the publishing of his superbly illustrated scientific works. Roesel also did much of the engraving for his works.

Condition: Very good, given age. Very light creasing. Original vertical folds as issued. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: BEETLE SPECIES-HARLEQUIN BEETLE-LONGHORN BEETLE-INSECTS-TAB: I

PCO-C30-24