Date of Printing: 1785 • Medium: Copperplate Engraving (hand colored) • Subject Category: Natural History - Insects • Signed: Unsigned • Period Created: Enlightenment (1700 - 1799)• Plate Size HxWxD cm: 18 x 20.5 • Leaf Paper Size HxW cm: 23 x 27.5 • Style: FOLIO Original Vintage • Print on Verso: Blank on verso • Condition: Excellent• Edition Type: 1st Edition - Limited • Paper Type: Laid Paper, Watermarked • Framed: Print only
This is an exceptionally beautiful insect print, created by Carl Jablonsky Antique Engraving of Beetle Anatomy. Copper-Plate Engraving, Handcolored, 1785. This is a scare and very rare print. Engraving taken from: Jablonsky, Carl Gustav & Herbst, J. F. W. "Natursystem aller bekannten in-und auslandischen Insecten, als eine Fortsetzung der von Buffonschen Naturgeschichte. Nach dem System des Ritters Carl von Linne" bearbeitet: Kafer. Berlin: J. Pauli, 1783-1806. 10 volumes.
Jablonsky's Natursystem was one of the first attempts at a complete survey of the order Coleoptera, which includes insects such as beetles, borers, weevils, and fireflies. During his brief life (1756-1787) Carl Gustav Jablonsky undertook several enormous projects in the study of entomology. Along with Johann Herbst, he created a major work on butterflies, arranged according to the Linnaean system. Aesthetic placement on the page, vivid original handcoloring and scientific accuracy are the hallmarks of his works.
Carl Gustav Jablonsky (1756 – 25 May 1787) was a Berlin naturalist, entomologist and illustrator. He was also the private secretary to the Queen of Prussia, Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern. He died at the age of 31. He willed his works to his colleague, Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Herbst , who became a naturalist and entomologist.
Jablonsky's Natursystem is one of the first attempts at a complete survey of the order Coleoptera (beetles).