The Aurelian; A Natural History of English Moths and Butterflies. Plate IV: The Pinkunderwing
- Published In : London
Description:
A delightful hand-coloured copper engraving from the rare first edition of The Aurelian, 1766. The plate depicts the 'Pinkunderwing' (=Cinnabar Tyria jacobaeae) and the 'Cream-spotted Tiger' (Arctia villica) showing the various developmental stages on a ragwort plant. Foot of image, engraved 'Moses Harris ad Vivum', indicating that the drawing was made from living specimens.
Lower margin of each plate includes a dedication to a subscriber or patron, accompanied with the appropriate coat of arms. This dedication reads, 'To his Grace Henry Augustus Fitzroy, Duke of Grafton, Earl of Euston &c. This Plate is most humbly Dedicated by his Graces [sic] most Obed't & faithful 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.