Adalbert Seitz Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde 1912

Adalbert Seitz Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde 1912

We are delighted to offer a selection of original lithographs from Adalbert Seitz's The Macrolepidoptera of the World. Each of these prints illustrates multiple specimens from the butterfly world arranged artistically on one page.

Intended to be an exhaustive account of Butterflies the world over, Die Gross-Schmetterlinge de Erde was begun in 1909 by its editor Adalbert Seitz. Seitz chose to use a 10-14 color lithography process for the illustrations of his work. The resultant vibrant chromolithographs that were produced have come to be regarded as unsurpassed in beauty and quality. Seitz intended to complete this work by 1912 in three languages (German, French & English). However, this goal was somewhat optimistic as portions of the work were still in process as late as 1954, 17 years after Seitz's death. Die Gross-Schmetterlinge de Erde was halted in 1954 leaving the project incomplete in all three languages.

The condition of the plates is excellent on light creamy white paper, with no foxing, toning or offset. The prints measure 9 ¾ x 12 ½ inches, with no descriptive text, but a copy of the title page will be included.