The Aurelian; A Natural History of English Moths and Butterflies. Plate VIII: The Peacock Fly [and] The Water Betony Moth

Description:

A delightful hand-coloured copper engraving from the rare first edition of The Aurelian, 1766. The plate depicts the 'Peacock Fly' (=Peacock butterfly Inachis io) and the 'Water Betony Moth' (=the Mullein Cucullia verbasci) showing the various developmental stages on Water Betony Scrophularia aquatica. 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 Sir Henry Ecklin Baronet. This Plate is humbly Inscribed by his most Obliged & Obedient Serv’t Moses Harris'. Other plates are also available.

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.