Agrias & Stenele Butterflies (Agrias rogeri, Adelpha stenele) – Antique Hand-Colored Engraving, Exotic Butterflies (1835)

Agrias & Stenele: Fiery Reds and Patterned Elegance in Tropical Butterflies

This original 1835 hand-colored copper engraving depicts two visually striking tropical butterflies: Agrias rogeri, admired for its vivid red and orange coloration, and Adelpha stenele, a refined species known for its patterned wings and pale blue markings. The plate forms part of Exotic Butterflies, produced under the scientific direction of Hippolyte Lucas and engraved by Pauquet. On the original plate, these butterflies appear under the historical names Nymphalis rogeri and Nymphalis stenele.

Arranged in a clear vertical composition against a clean ground, the two specimens illustrate the diversity of tropical Lepidoptera through contrast. The engraving reflects the refined aesthetic language of nineteenth-century natural history illustration, where bold color and intricate detail were carefully balanced.

The combination of intense warm tones and delicate cooler accents gives this engraving a strong decorative presence. It stands out as a compelling piece of antique butterfly wall art, ideal for interiors that value colour, structure, and natural history inspiration.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The upper butterfly, Agrias rogeri, is defined by its intense fiery palette of deep red and orange, contrasted with dark brown bands and subtle yellow edges. The strong geometric distribution of colour across the wings creates a bold and almost architectural visual effect, making it one of the most visually striking species within the composition.

Below, Adelpha stenele offers a more intricate and textured visual language. Its brown wings are punctuated by soft turquoise-blue patches and lighter markings that create a rhythmic, almost mosaic-like pattern. This delicate complexity contrasts beautifully with the solid colour blocks above, producing a balanced and dynamic composition.

About the Species

Butterflies of the genus Agrias were among the most admired tropical species in nineteenth-century collections due to their intense coloration and rarity. Their vivid appearance made them highly desirable both scientifically and aesthetically.

Species such as Adelpha stenele, belonging to a group often referred to as “sister butterflies,” were valued for their intricate patterns and structural wing design. Plates from Lucas’s Exotic Butterflies remain exceptional examples of antique butterfly engraving and refined natural history illustration.

Condition Report

Very good antique condition. Fresh original hand-coloring with strong engraved impression. Printed on 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: Agrias & Stenele (Agrias rogeri, Adelpha stenele)
• Historical names on plate: Nymphalis rogeri, Nymphalis stenele
• Year: 1835
• Technique: Original copper engraving, entirely hand-colored
• Paper: Original 19th-century laid paper
• Watermark: None present
• Sheet size: approx. 24 × 15 cm