1798,TOP DONOVAN RARE HandPainted INSECTS OF CHINA MYRENA AYMNUS WJL

Description: Title An Epitome of the Natural History of Insects of China. Author Edward Donovan Date 1798 Sizes 9" x 11" 3/4 (23 x 30 cm) Description Copper engraving. Beautiful original hand coloring. Names in Latin. "An Epitome of the Natural History of Insects of China" by E. Donovan Biography of the Artist Edward Donovan (1768 - 1837) was born on 19 March 1768 in Cork, Ireland. At the age of twenty-one he moved to London where was a very successful Natural History illustrator on a wide diversity of natural history subjects, and also a prolific author of Natural History works. He was a member of the Linnean Society and director of the London Museum and Institute of Natural History where he also displayed his fine collection of rare specimens. Donovan never left London and based his works on specimens bought for his own collection or based on the best collections of specimens in London. His Insects of New Holland, the first publication dealing exclusively with the insects of Australia, and the rarest among his works, is based on specimens collected by Joseph Banks and Drury Dru. Donovan was a very prolific artist and Author. His best known works are: An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of China (1798), India (1799) New Holland (1805). He also published: The Natural History of British Birds; or, a Selection of the most Rare, Beautiful, and Interesting Birds which inhabit this country (1794-1819); The Naturalist’s Repository, or Miscellany of exotic Natural History Exhibiting Rare and Beautiful Specimens of Foreign Brids, Insects, Shells, Quadrupeds, Fish and Marine Productions. (1792-1813); The natural history of British insects explaining them in their several states, with the periods of their transformations, their food, oeconomy, &c. together with the history of such minute insects as require investigation by the microscope, the whole illustrated by coloured figures, designed and executed from living specimens (1792-1813). The Natural History of British Shells, including Figures and Descriptions of all the Species Hitherto Discovered in Great Britain, Systematically Arranged in the Linnean Manner, with Scientific and General Observations. Description of the work. Rare and important selection from "An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of China", on Chinese insects with incredible hand-colored copper-engravings, extremely well-executed and still well-preserved. Some of the hand-coloring is heightened with silver, gold and/or gum Arabic, creating a metallic-like appearance. In many instances, the coloring is placed so thick that often it is nearly impossible to see the engraving underneath. Donovan's pre-nineteenth century title is one of the key works on entomological art and a highspot in the chronology of historical achievements in the field of entomology. "The colours are lavishly applied, as was common with Donovan's work - often described as 'gems of colour'. Donovan was obsessed with painting insects. He was apologetic to his readers who might consider 'insects too frivolous a subject..." -- Gilbert, p. 138; Nissen 1143. A brilliant display of fine artwork, which was obviously a labor of love by a world renowned expert on the subject. The condition of these prints is good, with characteristic strong plate marks on antique paper. There is no foxing. Each print measure approximately 9" by 11" 3/4 (23 by 30 cm). The condition of these prints is very good, with strong plate marks and dates. All our prints are authentic hand coloured antique prints, and these are about 210 years old. We describe all items as accurately as possible with any condition exceptions noted. Please use your judgement to confirm our accuracy and take into consideration that unless otherwise stated, these items are used. Please make careful decisions before bidding and email us with any questions. All our prints are guaranteed authentic antique prints. Bibliography Reference: [Gilbert, p. 138; BMNH p.473; Hagen p.177; Nissen ZBI 1144]

Price: 125 USD

Location: Canavaccio

End Time: 2024-10-07T08:22:22.000Z

Shipping Cost: 17.5 USD