Description: Title Illustrations of Natural History Author DRURY DRU (1725-1803). Date 1770-1782 Sizes 9" x 11" 1/4 (23x28 cm). Description Extremely Rare First Edition. Numbered Engraved plate with beautiful hand coloring. Illustrations of Natural History on exotic entomology 1770-1782 We are delighted to offer a selection of extremely rare engraved prints from "Illustrations of Natural History" by Drury Dru, published in two volumes in 1770. These beautiful hand colored illustrations - drawn and coloured by Moses Harris - from the first edition, are extremely rare. We only found some records from the subsequent second edition revised by J.O. Westwood and no one from the first edition. Dru Drury was born in Wood Lane, London, to Dru Drury (b.1688), a silversmith, and his wife Mary, nee Hesketh. One of the best known British entomologists of his day, he corresponded with many others including Pallas, Haworth, Linnaeus, Kirby and Fabricius, and the last three held him in high enough esteem to name insects after him. He also tried hard to persuade his correspondents to study insects and their life histories and to record their findings. Drury was tireless in seeking to enlarge his collection, which contained over 11,000 well kept insects. They were sold by King and Lochee between 23-25 may 1805 in 305 lots with 38 lots of bookcases, books, equipment, etc.. The catalogue, prepared by Edward Donovan was titled 'Superb collection of insects, elegant cabinets... A Catalogue of the most capital assemblage of insects probably ever offered for public sale'. Drury is reported to have named fifty-six species from specimens in his own collection, and at least another forty-four were named by Fabricius. Drury is credited with naming Catocala epione in 1773. Fabricius also described the same species, possibly even from the same specimen, and called it marginata in 1775. Since Drury's name and description were published first, Drury's nomenclature takes precedence, and that is standard procedure regarding recognition of namer and acceptance of name. The condition of the prints is excellent, with no or very light foxing. They are beautifully executed stipple engravings in very fine detail. The plates where drawn and coloured by Moses Harris. The colours are bright and very intense. The paper is white, strong and chain-lined, and some plates are with watermarks. Each print measure approximately 9 inches wide and 11 1/4 inches long (23x28 cm). All our prints are guaranteed authentic antique prints. THESE PRINTS ARE EXTREMELY RARE.
Price: 185 USD
Location: Canavaccio
End Time: 2024-10-18T09:55:23.000Z
Shipping Cost: 17.5 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Artist: Moses Harris
Unit of Sale: Single-Piece Work
Size: Small (up to 12in.)
Date of Creation: Pre-1800
Material: Copper Plate, Paper
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Subject: Butterfies
Print Surface: Paper
Type: Print
Listed By: Dealer or Reseller
Year of Production: 1770
Style: Realism
Production Technique: Engraving
Handmade: Yes
