Argynnis Butterflies with yellow Viola lutea. Humphreys lithograph c1849.

by Humphreys, H.N.

Argynnis Charlotta, Argynnis Paphia, Argynnis Aphrodite. Antique Print.
Butterflies: Argynnis Charlotta (A. Aglaia) & underside, Argynnis Paphia (female), Argynnis Aphrodite & underside.
Plant: Viola lutea (wild yellow Heartease).

Original  hand-coloured lithograph arranged and illustrated by H.N. Humphreys Esq., with characters and descriptions by J. O. Westwood, Esq. F.L.S. (secretary of the Entomological Society), for British Butterflies and their Transformations published in London c1849.

Having spent years in Italy studying Greek and Roman coins, archaelogy, exquisite medieval manuscripts and the art of writing and printing, Humphreys' representation of the lifecycle transformations of butterflies and moths with caterpillar, chrysalis and their host plants was commended by the Curators and adopted at the British Museum. The exquisite medieval manuscripts he studied in Italy are surely reflected in his beautiful illustrations of nature. Humphreys wrote about natural history, “.. cannot conceive a more pleasing and natural introduction to its general study than entomology, of which I think the division of Lepidoptera.. the most easy and attractive section.  H. N. Humphreys, Esq.”

Striking butterflies lithograph. Very faint soiling and rubs. Page size is 285 x 210mm (11.25 x 8.25 inches).