E. Albin Natural History Butterfly & Moth Prints

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To John Ward of St. Clements Danes London Esq. ALI200 $55	To the Right Honorable Henrietta Stanley Countess of Anglesea ALI207 $55	To John Hernic Linck at Leipsick Apothecary ALI202 $55


To the Right Honorable The Lord Arthur Somersett ALI203 $55	To the Right Honorable Elizabeth Bruce Countess of Cardigan ALI210 $55	To the Lady Drake Wife of Saml. Trotman Esq. ALI233 $45


The the most Noble Henrietta Somersett Dutchess of Grafton ALI218 $55	To the Right Honorable Lady Elizabeth Compton ALI206 $55	To the most Noble Mary Preston Dutchess of Ponis ALI215 $55


The the most Noble Mary Sherburn Dutchess of Norfolk ALI221 $55	To William Cholwich of the Middle Temple Esq. ALI238 $45	To Robert Briston of Mitcheldaver in ye County of Hants Esq. one of the Clerks Comptroller of his Majestys Green Cloth ALI223 $45


To the Honble. Brigadier Gen. Russel ALI224 $45	To the Right Honorable The Lord Bruce ALI225 $45	To the Right Honorable Mary Bentinck Countess Dowr. of Essex ALI226 $45


To the Lady Jekyl ALI227 $55	To the Honorable Thomas Travor Esq. ALI228 $55	To the Honorable Edward Southwell Esq. ALI229 $55


To the Right Honorable Elizabeth Seymour Countess of Thomond ALI230 $55	To the Right Honorable Elizabeth Butler Countess Donr. of Derby ALI231 $55	To Mrs. Bovey of Flaxley ALI232 $55


To the Right Honorable Sarah Bodville Countess Donr. of Radnor ALI239 SOLD	To the most Noble Mary Capell Dutchess Donr. of Beaufort no text ALI237 $45	To John Acton of Basingstoke in Hantshire Esq. ALI241 $55

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It is with great pleasure that we offer these original hand colored engravings by Eleazar Albin from the First Edition of "A Natural History of Insects" published in London in 1724.

Albin was a German professional painter who settled in England in 1707, where he married and raised a family, changing his name from Weiss to Albin. He was a prolific natural history illustrator who earned his living by making watercolors of the collections of wealthy patrons, including Sir Hans Sloane, whose collection founded the British Museum. "A Natural History of Insects" was originally published in 1720 and was the first colored compilation of English moths and butterflies. The composition was based on Maria Sybill Merian's notable work, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium published in 1705. The hand coloring for "A History of Insects" was done at least in part by his daughter, Elizabeth. Each plate is dedicated in the honor of a member of English nobility or to a person of high rank or recognition in early 18th century English society.

While the study of insects was, for the most part, not of great interest in the early 18th century, Albin found it fascinating and in the introduction, he notes to the reader, "As Providence is so remarkable in the propagation and preservation of Insects, so are they by no means to be esteemed useless Creatures: For besides their subserviency to one another, they likewise serve as food to many other Creatures, both Fish and Fowls. Young birds are almost generally fed with them; and … we are indebted to them for relief in several diseases; for all our Honey, Wax, Silk, …. From the whole we cannot but conclude that they are the Work of Infinite Power, and not the Effect of mere Chance, or the Product of Corruption."

Each print measures approximately 9 inches wide by 11 inches long with wonderful copperplate dedications on the bottom of the page. The paper is creamy, strong and chain-lined, with some watermarks. The condition of the prints is good, with some toning and minor foxing as described. There is an accompanying copy of the title page, and an original descriptive text.