Blue Butterflies and Red Larva by Anonymous

Blue Butterflies and Red Larva c. 1705 - 1717

hand-colored-etching, print, engraving

hand-colored-etching

egg art

print

possibly oil pastel

handmade artwork painting

fluid art

coloured pencil

botanical drawing

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

engraving

botanical art

watercolor

This anonymous hand-colored engraving from the early 18th century, titled "Blue Butterflies and Red Larva," depicts a variety of insects in meticulous detail. The artist captures the vibrant hues of the blue butterflies, the contrasting red larva, and the delicate textures of the foliage, showcasing the beauty of nature in a scientific and artistic manner. The work reflects the growing interest in natural history and the development of scientific illustration during this period. This print is a fine example of the "butterfly print," a genre popular during the 17th and 18th centuries that combined scientific accuracy with artistic beauty.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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In January 1701 Merian wrote, "I set out into the forest to see if I could discover anything; I found this elegant red blossom on a tree; neither the name nor the properties of this tree are known to the inhabitants of this country." The butterfly is Caligo idomeneus (Linneaus), called an Owl Butterfly, because the large eye-spots on the undersides of the wings resembles the head of an owl when the wings are open. The larva illustrated is not that of an owl butterfly, but an unidentified species of silk moth. Merian also included a wasp, noting that wasps "are found everywhere in Suriname, even in the houses and in the fields…[They] sting any man or animal which comes near them and disturbs their activities."