Entomology Order Coleoptera. Genus Lucanus, Dermestes, Silpha. Rees c1814

by Rees, Abraham

Lucanus Cervus Stag Beetle and Lucanus Inermis centre of 19 beetles antique engraving.

Original copperplate engraving c1814 by Thomas Milton for The Cyclopaedia; or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature by Abraham Rees, published in London by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown of Paternoster Row.

The New Cyclopaedia was compiled by Abraham Rees, who had been for many years a reviser of Chambers’ Encyclopaedia. Between 1802 and 1820 Rees produced a completely original, finely illustrated work, using foremost artists and experts in each field. With over 240 copperplate-engravings of familiar and unusual subjects, in each of its seven large volumes, it was the most comprehensive and best illustrated encyclopaedia of the early 19th century.

The size of this antique print is 265 x 200 mm (10.5 x 8 inches). While a little soiled around the edges as usual, and there is conservation-reinforcing of tiny section at bottom right-hand corner of the page, it is in pretty good condition considering it's over 200 years old.