Tab CXLII ...Schemetterlinge. Berlin, 1783-1806. $375.00

Tab CXLIII

Carl Gustav Jablonsky (1756-1787) was a talented German natural historian who is credited with this finely illustrated comprehensive work on butterflies, Natursystem aller bekannten in-und auslandischer Insecten: Schmetterlinge ( Natural History Survey of Insects, Including Related Foreign Ones: Butterflies.) The work is valued for its scientific accuracy and for its beautiful aesthetic sensibility. It was published in Berlin between 1783-1804 with most of the 328 hand colored illustrated plates were drawn by Jablonsky and Kruger and engraved by Ludwig Schmidt.  Jablonsky edited the first two volumes but he died at the early age of 31 and Johann Herbst took over the editing of the 5 remaining volumes. These exquisitely hand colored engravings are on laid paper and are sharp and crisp impressions in excellent original condition.

Copperplate engraving with full original hand color.
8 1/2 x 10 ¼ inches, sheet.