
Jacob L'Admiral and the Metamorphosis of Insects – A Dutch Enlightenment Marvel (1774)
Jacob L'Admiral and the Metamorphosis of Insects – A Dutch Enlightenment Marvel (1774)
In the vibrant scientific atmosphere of the 18th century, Jacob L’Admiral (1700–1775), a Dutch naturalist and engraver, published one of the most striking visual records of insect life cycles:
“Auwkeurige Waarneemingen Omtrent de Veranderingen Van Veele Insekten of Gekorvene Diertjes” (1774)
or, in English: “Accurate Observations Concerning the Transformations of Various Insects or Small Crawling Creatures.”
This rare and remarkable folio represents a pioneering contribution to entomology and natural history illustration. It showcases the metamorphoses of butterflies, moths, beetles, and other insects in stunning detail, bridging empirical observation and artistic finesse.
A Unique Fusion of Art and Science
Unlike the grand folios produced by court-sponsored naturalists, L’Admiral’s work is deeply personal. It reflects decades of careful observation carried out in the gardens and woods of the Dutch Republic, often with simple tools but a sharp and curious mind.
Each engraving in the collection captures not just the adult insect, but its entire life cycle—from egg and larva to pupa and imago—often placed beside the host plant or substrate on which it was found. These visual narratives embody the Enlightenment ideal: understanding nature by observing its patterns with clarity and precision.
Scientific Value and Rarity
Printed in 1774 in The Hague, the work was never widely distributed. The copperplate engravings, likely colored by hand under the author’s direction, are now considered extremely rare and valuable collectibles.
Beyond their decorative charm, these plates represent a vital moment in the evolution of biological taxonomy, published just a few years after the system of Carl Linnaeus had begun to reshape scientific classification in Europe.
Legacy and Modern Appreciation
Jacob L’Admiral remains a somewhat overlooked figure outside specialist circles, yet his meticulous entomological studies predate and foreshadow the work of more famous illustrators like Maria Sibylla Merian and the later entomologists of the 19th century.
At Prantique, we are proud to present a selection of original plates from this 1774 edition—each a window into the natural world as it was studied, admired, and honored in the Age of Reason.
Explore the Collection
Browse our curated selection of original engravings from L’Admiral’s Insect Metamorphoses and discover:
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The vibrant wings of butterflies in mid-emergence
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The hidden beauty of pupal cases and cocoons
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Delicate plant-insect interactions rendered in exquisite line work
These prints are ideal for collectors, natural history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to enrich their interior space with authentic Enlightenment-era art.
Details
Full Title: Auwkeurige Waarneemingen Omtrent de Veranderingen Van Veele Insekten of Gekorvene Diertjes
Author: Jacob L’Admiral (1700–1775)
Published: 1774, The Hague (’s Gravenhage)
Language: Dutch
Technique: Copperplate engravings, hand-colored
Subjects: Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Coleoptera (beetles), metamorphosis, host plants
Format: Folio
Collection Type: Natural history / Entomology / Enlightenment scientific illustration
Referenced Holdings:
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Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden: copy in rare books collection
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British Museum, Department of Natural History prints
- Universiteitsbibliotheek Leiden: L'Admiral's work cited in entomological catalogs
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