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Orion Butterfly (Nymphalis orion) – Original Hand-Colored Engraving by Pauquet, Antique Print
€230.00
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Original 1835 hand-colored engraving of Nymphalis orion, drawn and engraved by Pauquet under the scientific direction of Hippolyte Lucas for Exotic Butterflies.
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Authentic antique prints
Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
Orion Butterfly: Fiery Chromatic Drama in Exotic Lepidoptera
This original 1835 hand-colored copper engraving depicts Nymphalis orion, a striking tropical butterfly admired for its intense coloration and dramatic wing contrasts. The plate forms part of Exotic Butterflies, produced under the scientific direction of Hippolyte Lucas and drawn and engraved by Pauquet.
Presented with balanced symmetry against a clean ground, the specimen appears almost monumental. The composition reflects the refined visual language of nineteenth-century natural history illustration, where scientific clarity and decorative elegance were deliberately intertwined.
— • —
Visual and Aesthetic Analysis
The wings unfold in a powerful chromatic composition. Luminous amber and orange tones ignite across the upper wings before dissolving into deep velvety blacks along the margins. Below, the hindwings deepen into rich burgundy and crimson hues that create a dramatic tonal gradient.
This interplay between radiant colour and dark framing produces a visual effect of remarkable intensity. Pauquet’s engraving preserves delicate venation and anatomical precision while allowing the hand-applied colouring to achieve depth, luminosity, and painterly vitality.
About the Species
Species belonging to the genus Nymphalis fascinated nineteenth-century naturalists for their striking wing structures and bold colour contrasts. Many tropical butterflies of this group became highly prized specimens within European collections.
During this period, illustrated publications allowed scientists and collectors to study rare species far beyond museum cabinets. Engraved plates such as this one served both as scientific documentation and as enduring works of natural history art.
Heritage Stories
This engraving forms part of the celebrated series Lucas – Exotic Butterflies , published in 1835 under the scientific direction of Hippolyte Lucas — a period when nature was celebrated through monumental illustrated works combining scientific observation with refined artistic craftsmanship.
Discover the broader historical context in our editorial feature: Hippolyte Lucas: Scientific Vision and the Golden Age of Exotic Butterflies .
The plate was drawn and engraved by Pauquet, whose refined copperplate technique translated real specimens into enduring images of exceptional clarity: Pauquet: The Engraver Behind the Exotic Butterflies .
Condition Report
Very good antique condition. Fresh and vibrant original hand-coloring with strong engraved impression. Printed on fine original nineteenth-century paper. Minor age toning consistent with the 1835 publication. Well-preserved examples of this quality are becoming increasingly scarce, particularly with such fresh color and clarity.
Details
- Scientific direction: Hippolyte Lucas
- Artist & engraver: Pauquet
- Work: Exotic Butterflies
- Species: Orion Butterfly (Nymphalis orion)
- Year: 1835
- Technique: Original copper engraving, entirely hand-colored
- Paper: Fine original antique paper
- Sheet size: approx. 24 × 15 cm
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Original 1835 hand-colored engraving of Nymphalis orion, drawn and engraved by Pauquet under the scientific direction of Hippolyte Lucas for Exotic Butterflies.