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Entomology & Butterflies – Antique Insect Prints & Entomology Art | Prantique

The Entomology & Butterflies collection captures the fascination with insects and their delicate transformations, as portrayed in the golden age of natural history.

These original antique prints document the life cycles of butterflies, moths, beetles and other insects in astonishing detail – often shown alongside their host plants, in a visual symphony of science and art.

From Enlightenment-era metamorphosis studies like Jacob L’Admiral’s 1774 engravings, to 19th-century entomological masterpieces, this category is a tribute to observation, precision, and beauty in the smallest of living forms.

For collectors, entomology enthusiasts, or those seeking elegant and meaningful wall art, these works offer timeless visual and intellectual appeal.

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Jacob L’Admiral
Discover the original hand-colored engravings from Nauwkeurige Waarneemingen Omtrent de Veranderingen Van Veele Insekten (1774), a landmark of Enlightenment entomology by the Dutch naturalist Jacob L’Admiral. These rare copperplate prints depict butterflies, moths, and beetles across their life cycles, often alongside their botanical host plants—uniting scientific observation and refined decorative art.

This category highlights emblematic species featured in our selection, with both Latin and English names to support collectors, academics, and design lovers searching for precise entomological keywords:
- Pieris brassicae — Large White (Tropaeolum majus — Nasturtium) — view the engraving
- Bombyx mori — Silkworm (Morus alba — Mulberry) — view the engraving
- Lymantria dispar (Malus — Apple) — view the engraving
- Abraxas grossulariata — Magpie Moth (Ribes — Currant/Gooseberry) — view the engraving
- Xanthorhoe spadicearia — Red Twin-spot Carpet (Malva — Mallow) — view the engraving
- Cetonia aurata — Rose Chafer — view the engraving
Search-friendly terms you’ll find across this collection include entomological illustration, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, metamorphosis, host plant, and hand-colored copper engravings. Each print is an authentic 18th-century work combining natural history, visual storytelling, and museum-grade aesthetic value—ideal for curated interiors and fine art collections.

Learn more about the context and significance of these plates in our dedicated blog post, then explore the full selection of Jacob L’Admiral insect prints below.

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Entomology Insects

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