Australian Nymphes Myrmeleonoides, Lacewing. Nodder c1814

by Nodder, Richard Polydore

Antique print of Australian Lacewing, c1814. "Habitat Australasia".

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving for “The Zoological Miscellany: being descriptions of new or interesting animals, compiled by William Elford Leach, M.D., F.R.S., and L.S.” published in London from 1789. Wonderful hand-coloured copperplate-engraved illustrations were drawn from nature and engraved by Frederick Polydore Nodder (1751-1801), and his son, Richard Polydore Nodder (1774-1820). Frederick and his son were both artists to King George III. They referred to themselves as "animal painter, draughtsman, and engraver in natural history", and used a distinctive dramatic style that exquisitely captures the finer aspects of each species. Frederick’s wife assisted greatly in compiling and publishing their work.

This small engraving has been mounted in 'antique white' conservation matt board, and covered with cellophane for protection. The external measurement for framing is 27 x 24cm (10.6 x 9.5 inches).