Roesel von Rosenhof Der Insecten Belustigung Butterfly Prints 1740

We are delighted to offer a selection of prints from this incredibly rare masterpiece on the insect world, Der Insecten Belustigung by August Roesel von Rosenhof (1705-1759). Roesel studied painting with his father & uncle & later on with the renowned Preisler in Nuremberg. While living in Copenhagen, he became inspired by the work of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717), a famous 17th century botanical and entomological illustrator. He returned to Nuremberg to devote himself largely to entomological studies & illustration, aided by his loving wife who hand colored his drawings & his son in law, who assisted in the publishing of his superb illustrated & scientifically meticulous works. Roesel also did much of the engraving for his works.

The prints are in very good condition on silky, cream chain-lined with watermarks on a few pages. Each print measures approximately 6 1/8 inches wide by 7 3/4 inches long. On some, there is light foxing. There is no descriptive text, though a color copy of the superb Hawk Moth page will be provided. Please inspect the images carefully as they are quite accurate. It is an honor to present these rare antique prints by one of the greatest entomological illustrators of all times.