The English Moths and Butterflies: Together with the Plants, Flowers, and Fruits whereon they Feed, and are usually Found - Rare Book Insider
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Wilkes, Benjamin

The English Moths and Butterflies: Together with the Plants, Flowers, and Fruits whereon they Feed, and are usually Found

Benjamin Wilkes, London: 1747
  • $165
A print from the first edition of this work, with hand colored plates drawn by two of the most celebrated botanical artists of the 18th century, Georg Ehret and Jacob van Huysum. The engravings show the complete life cycles and habitats of each species. Two brown moths hovering above a current berry branch. 12 3/8 x 9 7/8". Engravings in original hand color, plate mark visible, printed on laid paper. Outside the plate mark in the margins, some light browning at the bottom edge and from sticky tape transference from the verso. Overall, very good, bright condition. "Benjamin Wikes was one of the most significant of the group of 18th century 'aurelians' which established British entomology in the direction it was to follow for well over a century." (Wilkinson, Benjamin Wilkes, the British Aurelian p.4). The continued title: All Drawn and Coloured in such a Manner, as to represent their several beautiful Appearances, Being copied from the Subjects themselves, and Painted on the best Atlas Paper.
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