Rare-Antique Print-MALLOW-MOTH-LARENTIA-CLAVARIA-MALVA-SYLVESTRIS-l’Admiral-1774

This hand-colored copperplate engraving illustrates the mallow moth (Larentia clavaria) along with its larva and pupa stages on a mallow plant (Malva sylvestris). The moth is shown hovering above the mallow plant, while the caterpillars are depicted feeding on the leaves. The pupal stage is also represented, highlighting the metamorphosis process. The mallow plant is richly detailed, with large green leaves and vibrant red flowers. The hand-coloring adds depth and realism to the illustration, emphasizing the textures of both the insects and the plant.

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.

MALLOW MOTH, LARENTIA CLAVARIA, MALLOW, MALVA SYLVESTRIS, 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.