Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 4502:
Description
This scientific entomology engraving is from A. J. Roesel (Rosel) von Rosenhof’s
De natuurlyke historie der insecten… The work was published in Haarlem and Amsterdam by Bohn & de Wit & Gartman between 1764 and 1782. This engraving is from the only Dutch edition of the work and features original hand-coloring.
Roesel is considered the father of German entomology. His work made sure to balance accurate science with aesthetic appeal and are "counted among the most beautiful and accurate of the eighteenth century." (Damkaer p 33)
"Roesel, who studied at first with his father and then with his uncle Wilhelm, an animal painter in Merseburg, later became a pupil of the famous Preisler in Nuremberg. After living in Copenhagen from 1726 to 1728 he returned to Nuremberg for good, and there, besides painting portraits and drawings, he applied himself in particular to the study of nature. He collected insects, their eggs and larvae, studied the process of hatching, pupation, and emergence, and painted all this in a most meticulous way, as Kleemann tells us. His manuscripts, with 406 illustrations, are now in the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek in Munich. Roesel also made the engravings of his drawings and, until his death in 1757, his ‘loving and diligent spouse’ contributed fine colouring to the prints." (Nissen. Bestiaries)
Paper Size: ~ 6 1/2" by 8 1/8"
Paper Type or Special Features: Originally Hand-colored Engraving
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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