Original Antique Print of various Butterflies

Original antique print titled 'Papil: Europ'. This print shows various butterflies. Originates from 'Die Schmetterlinge in Abbildungen (..)' by Eugenius Johann Christoph Esper.

Published 1777-1794. Esper's father was an amateur botanist, who taught his son in the discipline. Later in his studies at university, Esper changed his course from theology to natural history. After receiving his degree, he lead of the Natural History department at Erlangen University where he also amassed a fine collection of specimens, now in the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology at Munich. Esper published many works, including the source of this print, the most comprehensive work on butterflies of the time, Die Schmetterlinge in Abbildungen, from 1777-1794. The complete life cycle of each butterfly is shown, creating both a work of art and a scientific record based on the Linnaean system.

Condition: Good. General age-related toning. Few tiny holes in upper margin. Shows some wear and creasing, blank verso. Please study image carefully.

Date: c.1780

Overall size: 21.3 x 25.2 cm.