Beschreibung:

Title: An Epitome of the Natural History of the Insects of China: Comprising Figures and Descriptions of Upwards of One Hundred New, Singular, and Beautiful Species; Together with Some that are of Importance in Medicine, Domestic Economy, &c. The Figures are Accurately Drawn, Engraved, and Coloured, from Specimens of the Insects; The Descriptions are Arranged According to the System of Linnæus; with References to the Writings of Fabricius, and Other Systematic Authors Author: Donovan, E[dward] Place: London Publisher: Printed for the Author, by T. Bensley Date: 1798 Description: Illustrated with 50 hand-colored copper-engraved plates of various Chinese insects, mostly of butterflies; accompanied with descriptive letterpress leaves, and tissue-guards. (4to) 11¼x9, full nineteenth century straight-grain green morocco, elaborate gilt borders, spine tooled in gilt, gilt-lettered red morocco spine label, gilt inner dentelles, all edges gilt, custom cloth slipcase with gilt-lettered morocco spine label. First Edition. Rare and important volume on Chinese insects with incredible hand-colored copper-engravings, extremely well-executed and still well-preserved. Some of the hand-coloring is heightened with silver, gold and/or gum Arabic, creating a metallic-like appearance. In many instances, the coloring is placed so thick that often it is nearly impossible to see the engraving underneath. Donovan’s pre-nineteenth century title is one of the key works on entomological art and a highspot in the chronology of historical achievements in the field of entomology. Edward Donovan (1768-1837) was the founder of the London Museum and Institute of Natural History, which contained his extensive natural history collection. The collection was sold at auction in 1817. “The colours are lavishly applied, as was common with Donovan's work - often described as 'gems of colour'. Donovan was obsessed with painting insects. He was apologetic to his readers who might consider 'insects too frivolous a subject...” – Gilbert, p. 138; Nissen 1143. A brilliant display of fine artwork, which was obviously a labor of love by a world renowned expert on the subject. Lot Amendments Condition: Some rubbing (chiefly to joints), scattered mild surface scuffs to covers, a few scratches to front, slight darkening (mostly to spine), corners bumped, tiny nicks to gilt edges; light foxing and toning to contents, occasional faint marginal stains, gift inscription dated 1847 and previous owner’s inked quoted (a poem in French by Paul Valery) dated 1954 both on the front flyleaf; internally near fine or better with beautiful hand-colored plates, in a very good or better binding. Item number: 169781