Description: Extremely rare hand colored engraving from: Illustrations of Natural History Author by DRURY DRU (1725-1803). Date: 1770-1782. Volume II 9" x 11" 1/4 (23x28 cm). Very bright, vibrant colors. Extremely Rare First Edition. Numbered Engraved plate with beautiful hand coloring. Some age related toning, minor foxing, please zoom in on image to assess condition. Illustrations of Natural History on exotic entomology 1770-1782 These beautiful hand colored illustrations - drawn and coloured by Moses Harris - from the first edition, are extremely rare. We only found some records from the subsequent second edition revised by J.O. Westwood and no one from the first edition. One of the best known British entomologists of his day, he corresponded with many others including Pallas, Haworth, Linnaeus, Kirby and Fabricius, and the last three held him in high enough esteem to name insects after him. He also tried hard to persuade his correspondents to study insects and their life histories and to record their findings. Drury was tireless in seeking to enlarge his collection, which contained over 11,000 well kept insects. They were sold by King and Lochee between 23-25 may 1805 in 305 lots with 38 lots of bookcases, books, equipment, etc.. The catalogue, prepared by Edward Donovan was titled 'Superb collection of insects, elegant cabinets... A Catalogue of the most capital assemblage of insects probably ever offered for public sale'. Drury is reported to have named fifty-six species from specimens in his own collection, and at least another forty-four were named by Fabricius. Drury is credited with naming Catocala epione in 1773. Fabricius also described the same species, possibly even from the same specimen, and called it marginata in 1775. Since Drury's name and description were published first, Drury's nomenclature takes precedence, and that is standard procedure regarding recognition of namer and acceptance of name. These are beautifully executed stipple engravings in very fine detail. The plates where drawn and coloured by Moses Harris. The colours are bright and very intense. Each print measure approximately 9 inches wide and 11 1/4 inches long (23x28 cm). All my offerings are guaranteed authentic original antique prints. THESE PRINTS ARE EXTREMELY RARE.
Price: 165 USD
Location: Lanexa, Virginia
End Time: 2025-01-02T16:22:41.000Z
Shipping Cost: 8 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Artist: Moses Harris
Unit of Sale: Single Piece
Image Orientation: Portrait
Size: Small (up to 12in.)
Date of Creation: Pre-1800
Material: Paper
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Region of Origin: United Kingdom
Subject: Beetle, Butterflies, Insects, Coleoptera, Moths, Caterpillars
Print Surface: Paper
Type: Print
Listed By: Dealer or Reseller
Year of Production: 1770
Style: Natura History Antique Prints
Theme: Animals, Natural History, Nature, Entomology, Biodiversity
Features: 1st Edition, Hand Tinted, Limited Edition, Extremely Rare, Fine Watercolouring, Old coloring, Antique Watercolouring
Production Technique: Copper Engraving
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Handmade: Yes
Time Period Produced: 1750-1799
