Insekten XXXIV by Anonymous Artist

Insekten XXXIVby Anonymous Artist

C. 1795

Hand Colored Engraving

This hand-colored copperplate engraving, titled "Insekten XXXIV" (Insects XXXIV), illustrates the full developmental life stages—including winged adults, caterpillars, larvae, and close-up anatomical details—of two distinct butterfly species. Drafted by Carl Bertuch (or overseen by the publishing house of his father, Friedrich Justin Bertuch) and engraved by skilled artisans such as Jacob Xaver Schmuzer, this original print dates to 1795. Measuring approximately 10 3/8 by 8 1/4 inches, the work features multilingual plate headers in German, French, English, and Italian ("Insekten XXXIV", "Insectes XXXIV", "Insects XXXIV", "Insetti XXXIV"), designed to serve an international, multilingual readership.

This plate originates from the monumental 12-volume educational encyclopedia Bilderbuch für Kinder (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar, Germany, between 1790 and 1830. Spearheaded by publisher Friedrich Justin Bertuch and continued by his son Carl Bertuch, the publication was groundbreaking for its time, seeking to revolutionize visual pedagogy by making natural science, botany, and zoology accessible and engaging to young minds through vivid, hand-colored illustrations. Prints from this series are highly valued today as milestone examples of Enlightenment-era scientific publishing, bridging the gap between fine art, empirical research, and popular education.

Dimensions: H 10 ⅜” x 8 ¼” W

Condition: In excellent condition