Luminous yellow and white butterflies with warm golden tones. A refined 1835 engraving with bright and elegant decorative appeal.
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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original 1835 hand-colored copper engraving depicts three luminous butterflies of the genus Catopsilia, historically identified as Catopsilia scylla, Catopsilia evadne, and Catopsilia argante. The plate belongs to the celebrated Exotic Butterflies series directed by Hippolyte Lucas and engraved by Pauquet.
The composition is defined by a radiant palette of golden yellow and soft white, with subtle black accents enhancing the structure of the wings. This warm chromatic harmony creates a bright and highly decorative visual effect.
With its luminous tones and balanced vertical arrangement, this engraving is particularly suited as antique butterfly wall art, bringing warmth and elegance into interior spaces.
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The upper butterfly combines white and warm orange tones, creating a gentle transition between light and color.
The central specimen introduces a softer yellow palette, adding lightness and visual balance to the composition.
The lower butterfly anchors the plate with a rich golden hue, providing depth and a strong decorative focal point.
Butterflies of the genus Catopsilia, commonly known as emigrants, are noted for their bright coloration and seasonal migrations.
Their luminous yellow tones made them especially appealing subjects for nineteenth-century natural history illustration.
This engraving captures their radiant appearance with clarity and balance, highlighting both their scientific interest and decorative beauty.
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 luminous color transitions and delicate tonal variations to be rendered with exceptional clarity: Pauquet: Master Engraver .
Very good antique condition. Bright, well-preserved hand-coloring with luminous yellow and white tones. Printed on original nineteenth-century paper. Minor age toning consistent with age. Examples with such warm color harmony and clarity are increasingly difficult to find.
Specific References
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