Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 7490:
Description
This scientific entomology engraving is from A. J. Roesel (Rosel) von Rosenhof’s
Der monatlich-herausgegebenen Insecten-Belustigung. The work was published in Nuremberg between 1749 and 1761 by J. J. Fleischmann für Rösel Erben. (Plates from volume 1 will be from the second edition, all other plates from the work will be from the first.)
This originally hand-colored engraving is from the most important work on German insects, which Nissen describes as "treasures of entomological literature." "The scientific value of the
..Insecten-Belustigung is very high. It is based on the exemplary plates drawn and engraved by Rosel and his successors themselves, which were magnificently colored under Rosel’s own supervision, as well as on the masterful biological observations that the book contains and which make Rosel appear as a Fabre of the 18th century… The plates are among the best we know in this field" (Junk).
August Johann Rosel von Rosenhof (1705-1759) was a German miniature painter, naturalist and entomologist. 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: ~ 5 3/4" by 7 7/8"
Paper Type or Special Features: Originally Hand-colored Engraving
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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