The Aurelian; A Natural History of English Moths and Butterflies. Plate I: The Comma
- Published In : London
Description:
A delightful hand-coloured copper engraving from the rare first edition of The Aurelian, 1766. The plate depicts the 'Comma' (Polygonia c-album), the Burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae), and the 'Plumed moth' (=Plume moth Pterophorus pentadactyla) showing the various developmental stages on a hop plant. Foot of image, engraved 'Moses Harris ad Vivum', indicating that the drawing was made from living specimens. Original accompanying text leaf loosely enclosed at rear of mount.
Lower margin of each plate includes a dedication to a subscriber or patron, accompanied with the appropriate coat of arms. This dedication reads, 'To the Right Hon'ble the Earl of Bute, Groom of the Stole to his Royal Highness - The Prince of Wales, &c, This Plate is Humbly Inscribed by his most obedient & devoted Servant Moses Harris'.
Moses Harris (1730-c.1788) was an English entomologist, painter, engraver and book illustrator, one of the most celebrated masters of insect portraiture. His most famous work, The Aurelian is considered one of the finest illustrated books of the eighteenth century; it is greatly admired for its artistic and accurate depictions of butterflies and moths, presented in the various stages of their life cycles.
Condition
Hinged onto card window mount. Image 298x230mm, mount 455x355mm.