Entomology (Pl. 5) by Charles Claude Pyne

Entomology (Pl. 5) by Charles Claude Pyne

C. 1859

Hand Colored Engraving

Highlighting a diverse assortment of insects from the order Orthoptera, this striking 19th-century natural history illustration presents a carefully organized array of ten specimens under the heading ENTOMOLOGY (Plate 5). The composition is dominated by a spectacular center specimen, Acanthodis imperialis—labeled here as "The Emperor black and green cricket"—which features extraordinarily large, fan-like dark wings spread wide. This prominent specimen is surrounded by an array of distinct species, including a slender praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) at the top, a robust mole-cricket (Gryllotalpa vulgaris) near the bottom left, and smaller figures detailing an earwig, grasshoppers, and a cockroach. Originally drawn by the artist Charles Claude Pyne and executed as a detailed engraving with vibrant hand-watercoloring by the master engraver Joseph Wilson Lowry, this plate was published circa 1859–1862 by William Mackenzie for the expansive encyclopedic series The Museum of Natural History.

This plate originates from a landmark mid-Victorian publishing initiative designed to compile and systematically summarize the world's biological knowledge following strict scientific classification. Joseph Wilson Lowry was a highly esteemed English engraver renowned for his exceptional accuracy in mapping out complex scientific, technical, and geographical prints during the 19th century, collaborating with leading naturalists of his era. This specific print holds historical value as a classic artifact of Victorian-era scientific popularization, mirroring a period when advanced entomology moved beyond elite academic circles into the public sphere. By presenting precise taxonomic layouts alongside local and exotic species in an accessible, visually compelling format, it perfectly documents the 19th-century passion for systematic mapping and the burgeoning public curiosity surrounding global biodiversity.

Dimensions: H 10 ½” x 7 ¼” W

Condition: Some foxing