Yellow Swallowtail & Pipevine Exotic Butterflies (Papilio iphitas, Battus philenor) – Antique Hand-Colored Engraving (1835)

Yellow Swallowtail & Pipevine: Elegance and Iridescence in Tropical Lepidoptera

This original 1835 hand-colored copper engraving depicts two remarkable butterflies: Papilio iphitas, a striking yellow swallowtail, and Battus philenor, commonly known as the Pipevine Swallowtail, celebrated for its iridescent hindwings. The plate forms part of Exotic Butterflies, produced under the scientific direction of Hippolyte Lucas and engraved by Pauquet. On the original plate, the species appear under the historical names Papilio iphitas and Papilio philenor.

The composition is arranged vertically with exceptional clarity, pairing a classic symmetrical specimen above with a more naturalistic representation below, where the butterfly is shown resting on foliage. This dual approach reflects the refined visual language of nineteenth-century natural history illustration, balancing scientific precision with artistic interpretation.

The strong contrast between luminous yellow and deep black, combined with iridescent blue and green tones, gives the engraving a powerful decorative presence. It stands out as a highly appealing piece of antique butterfly wall art, perfect for interiors seeking colour, movement, and natural elegance.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The upper butterfly, Papilio iphitas, displays a refined interplay of soft yellow and deep black. The symmetrical patterning and delicate tail extensions create a classic swallowtail silhouette, enhanced by small pale markings along the wing margins that add subtle rhythm and detail.

Below, Battus philenor introduces a richer and more dynamic visual language. Its dark velvety wings are illuminated by iridescent blue and green patches, accented with vivid yellow spots. The addition of foliage and flowers enhances the sense of movement and natural context, giving the composition a more narrative and decorative dimension.

About the Species

Swallowtail butterflies of the genus Papilio were among the most admired species in nineteenth-century collections, valued for their elegance and distinctive wing shapes. Their balanced forms made them ideal subjects for both scientific documentation and decorative engraving.

Battus philenor, known for its iridescent coloration, belongs to a group of butterflies that fascinated naturalists for their optical effects and vivid hues. Plates from Lucas’s Exotic Butterflies remain exceptional examples of antique butterfly engraving and refined natural history art.

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: Yellow Swallowtail & Pipevine (Papilio iphitas, Battus philenor)
• Historical names on plate: Papilio iphitas, Papilio philenor
• Year: 1835
• Technique: Original copper engraving, entirely hand-colored
• Paper: Original 19th-century laid paper
• Watermark: None present
• Sheet size: approx. 24 × 15 cm