Donovan - Dolicaon Butterfly. 65

Donovan - Dolicaon Butterfly. 65
This original hand-colored engraving is from Edward Donovan’s work The Naturalist’s Repository of Exotic Natural History… Of Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Insects, Shells, Marine Productions… . The work was published in London between 1822 and 1827 for the author by W. Simpkin and R. Marshall. The engravings are from the first edition, second issue on woven, watermarked paper (not present to each sheet) that is less course than the first issue and has left them in much better condition with age.

Edward Donovan was involved in all the steps of creating the illustrations in his works from the drawing, etching, engraving, and hand-coloring. His artistic hand created some of the finest engravings that often have the appearance of watercolors. Donovan was an avid natural history collector, fellow of the Linnean Society and the Wernerian Natural History Society. He also opened his own private museum in 1807, the London Museum and Institute of Natural History.

Donovan’s engravings are noted for their exceptionally hand-colored images. He drew the images himself from his own museum as well as the collections of Sir Joseph Banks & Dru Drury.


Paper Size: ~ 5 3/4" by 9 1/2"

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. The plates were engraved on slightly less course paper than others we have seen, this appears to have allowed less damage to the plates from wear and age. The hand-coloring is exceptional. The original text pages included are on the courser paper usually seen with the work. This is due to the plates being part of the second issue of the first edition. There may be a few imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
~ 5 3/4" by 9 1/2"