Dating to circa 1778, these original French natural-history engravings depict beautifully observed butterflies and moths in delicate hand coloring. Each plate is an individual work from the extensive Histoire Naturelle series published in Paris, combining the scientific curiosity of the Enlightenment with the decorative refinement for which 18th-century French natural-history illustration is so admired.
The plates are associated with the workshop of French engraver Robert Bénard (1734–1777), an important engraver and publisher of scientific illustrations in 18th-century Paris. Examples from Histoire Naturelle are inscribed “Bénard direxit,” indicating that the engraving was executed under Bénard’s direction. The series encompassed an extraordinary range of subjects from the natural world, including insects, reptiles, shells, marine life and other specimens.
Printed on beautiful hand-laid period paper and individually hand colored, each butterfly and moth plate is unique. The subtle variations in coloring, impressions and naturally aged paper give these works a character that modern reproductions simply cannot duplicate.
For designers, these are especially versatile antique works. Their relatively small scale and restrained palette make them wonderful individually, while pairs, grids or larger gallery-wall arrangements can create considerable impact. They work equally well in traditional interiors and as an unexpected historical counterpoint in contemporary rooms. We have a number of different plates available and are happy to provide photographs for creating a custom grouping.
Measurements: Approximately 9" x 12.5" unframed.
Condition: Good antique condition consistent with age. Individual sheets may show expected variations in toning, edges and other signs of age.
Price: $225 each
Dating to circa 1778, these original French natural-history engravings depict beautifully observed butterflies and moths in delicate hand coloring. Each plate is an individual work from the extensive Histoire Naturelle series published in Paris, combining the scientific curiosity of the Enlightenment with the decorative refinement for which 18th-century French natural-history illustration is so admired.
The plates are associated with the workshop of French engraver Robert Bénard (1734–1777), an important engraver and publisher of scientific illustrations in 18th-century Paris. Examples from Histoire Naturelle are inscribed “Bénard direxit,” indicating that the engraving was executed under Bénard’s direction. The series encompassed an extraordinary range of subjects from the natural world, including insects, reptiles, shells, marine life and other specimens.
Printed on beautiful hand-laid period paper and individually hand colored, each butterfly and moth plate is unique. The subtle variations in coloring, impressions and naturally aged paper give these works a character that modern reproductions simply cannot duplicate.
For designers, these are especially versatile antique works. Their relatively small scale and restrained palette make them wonderful individually, while pairs, grids or larger gallery-wall arrangements can create considerable impact. They work equally well in traditional interiors and as an unexpected historical counterpoint in contemporary rooms. We have a number of different plates available and are happy to provide photographs for creating a custom grouping.
Measurements: Approximately 9" x 12.5" unframed.
Condition: Good antique condition consistent with age. Individual sheets may show expected variations in toning, edges and other signs of age.
Price: $225 each
