Yellow & Pale Blue Exotic Butterflies (Callidryas leachiana, Callidryas clorinde) – Hand-Col Engraving Pauquet (1835)

Yellow & Pale Blue Butterflies: Subtle Elegance in Tropical Lepidoptera

This original 1835 hand-colored copper engraving depicts two refined tropical butterflies, historically identified as Callidryas leachiana and Callidryas clorinde. The plate belongs to the celebrated Exotic Butterflies series directed by Hippolyte Lucas and engraved by Pauquet.

The composition presents a harmonious contrast between luminous yellow tones and delicate pale blue wings, accented by subtle touches of orange. The result is a refined and airy visual balance, characteristic of nineteenth-century natural history illustration.

This engraving stands out for its understated elegance, making it particularly suited for interiors seeking lightness and sophistication in antique butterfly wall art.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The upper butterfly displays a soft yet radiant yellow, enriched by warm orange tones near the wing tips, creating a gentle but luminous presence.

Below, the second specimen introduces a pale blue variation with subtle yellow accents, producing a delicate chromatic dialogue between warmth and coolness.

Together, these butterflies create a composition defined by balance and refinement, rather than dramatic contrast, making it particularly appealing for calm and elegant decorative settings.

About the Species

Butterflies of the Callidryas group, now generally associated with the genus Catopsilia, are known for their light coloration and graceful flight. Often found in warm tropical regions, they are adapted to open environments where their pale tones blend harmoniously with sunlight.

Their delicate appearance fascinated early naturalists, who were drawn not only to more striking species but also to these refined examples of natural elegance.

This engraving captures that subtle beauty, offering a quieter yet deeply sophisticated interpretation of tropical biodiversity.

Condition Report

Very good antique condition. Fine original hand-coloring with soft, well-preserved tonal transitions. Printed on original nineteenth-century paper. Minor age toning consistent with age. Such well-preserved examples, especially with delicate color palettes like this, are increasingly difficult to find.

Details

• Scientific direction: Hippolyte Lucas
• Artist & engraver: Pauquet
• Work: Exotic Butterflies
• Species: Callidryas leachiana, Callidryas clorinde
• Year: 1835
• Technique: Original copper engraving, hand-colored
• Paper: Original 19th-century paper
• Watermark: None visible
• Sheet size: approx. 24 × 15 cm