Multicolored Butterflies – Antique Hand-Colored Engraving (1835)

Brush-Footed & Skipper Butterflies (Nereis, Orion, versicolor) – Antique Hand-Colored Engraving (1835)

€245.00

Tax included

Striking multicolored butterflies with deep black, orange, green, and iridescent tones. A bold 1835 engraving with exceptional decorative impact.

Quantity

Delivery policy

Your print will be carefully prepared and shipped worldwide via trusted couriers (UPS or similar).

Authentic antique prints

Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.

Description
Product Details

Multicolored Butterflies: Exotic Contrast and Iridescent Brilliance

This original 1835 hand-colored copper engraving depicts three striking butterflies from distinct groups, historically associated with Satyrus and Hesperia. The plate belongs to the celebrated Exotic Butterflies series directed by Hippolyte Lucas and engraved by Pauquet.

The composition is defined by a dramatic interplay of deep black wings contrasted with vivid orange, luminous green, and iridescent highlights. Each specimen presents a distinct chromatic identity, creating a rich and highly decorative visual effect.

With its bold contrasts and diverse forms, this engraving is particularly suited as antique butterfly wall art, offering a statement piece of strong visual character.

— • —

Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The upper butterfly is defined by dark wings interrupted by bright orange bands and circular markings, creating a powerful and structured visual presence.

The central specimen introduces iridescent green tones combined with delicate transparency in the lower wings, adding lightness and contrast.

The lower butterfly intensifies the palette with vibrant green and orange patterns set against deep black, resulting in a bold and richly decorative composition.

About the Species

Butterflies belonging to groups such as Satyrus and Hesperia were widely studied in the nineteenth century for their diversity of forms and coloration.

Their varied wing structures and vibrant tones made them particularly attractive subjects for natural history illustration.

This engraving reflects that diversity, presenting a vivid cross-section of tropical butterfly forms with remarkable artistic precision.

Heritage Stories

This engraving is part of the renowned Lucas – Exotic Butterflies series, published in 1835 during the golden age of natural history illustration.

Learn more in our article: Hippolyte Lucas and Exotic Butterflies .

The engraving was executed by Pauquet, whose refined technique allowed complex color compositions and fine details to be rendered with exceptional clarity: Pauquet: Master Engraver .

Condition Report

Very good antique condition. Rich, well-preserved hand-coloring with strong blacks and vivid multicolored highlights. Printed on original nineteenth-century paper. Minor age toning consistent with age. Examples with such strong chromatic diversity and visual impact are increasingly difficult to find.

Details

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

Reference YBW

In stock 1 Item

Specific References

Reviews (0)

No customer reviews for the moment.