The Aurelian, A Natural History of English Moths and Butterflies – Plate XLII

Plate XLII is from The Aurelian, A Natural History of English Moths and Butterflies is by Moses Harris (1731-1785) who was one of the leading entomologists of the eighteenth century. The Aurelian, published in 1766 contains some of the most spectacular drawings of English butterflies and moths ever made. Harris was known for his realistic depictions of insects and the foliage that sustained them in their natural settings. His images have great scientific value and are also very beautifully rendered. The original text description accompanies this print and it is signed in the plate. It is in good condition with a crease along the bottom margin and a very small dent in the left side of the image. Very rare hand colored engraving from the original 1778 edition.