Rare Australian Peacock Butterfly of New South Wales, c1800.

by Harrison Cluse & Co

Antique print, Peacock Butterfly (Late 18th century NSW).

Original copperplate engraving with contemporary hand-colour from the Naturalist's Pocket Magazine; or, Compleat Cabinet of Curiosities and Beauties of Nature, containing elegant coloured prints of birds, fishes, flowers, insects, quadrupeds, shells, and other natural productions..", eight anonymously compiled books published in London between 1798 and 1802 by Harrison, Cluse & Co. No.78 Fleet Street, and from 1800, No.108 Newgate Street. This small engraving was one of  only 2 depicting Australian entomology - either because the artist can't get close enough, insects don't stay still long enough, or are not as popular as flowers... 

This engraving has age-discolouration but is otherwise in good condition except for a mark towards top right edge of page. (Price reduced.)
The page measures 150 x 85mm (approximately 6 x 3 3/8 inches). The accompanying text is available.