{"product_id":"antique-hand-colored-dragonfly-engraving-edward-donovan-plate-36-framed-natural-history-art","title":"Antique Hand-Colored Dragonfly Engraving, Edward Donovan Plate 36, Framed Natural History Art","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA striking example of early natural history illustration, this late 18th to early 19th century hand-colored copperplate engraving depicts a vivid blue dragonfly in flight, accompanied by a secondary study set among naturalistic ground elements. The composition reflects the elegance and observational precision characteristic of Enlightenment-era scientific art, where beauty and documentation were seamlessly intertwined.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis engraving originates from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInsect Life in Britain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e by Edward Donovan (1768–1837), one of the most celebrated British naturalists of his time. Each plate from this work was individually printed and delicately hand-colored, resulting in subtle variations that make every example unique.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlate numbered “36” at upper left, the work retains its original character, with a visible plate mark confirming the intaglio printing process. The inclusion of both airborne and grounded insect studies enhances its visual depth, offering a more decorative and dynamic composition than single-specimen plates. Presented in a later custom frame with gilt liner, further elevating its presence as both a scholarly artifact and refined decorative object.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetails:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Edward Donovan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• From Insect Life in Britain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Late 18th–early 19th century (circa 1790–1810)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Hand-colored copperplate engraving\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Subject: Dragonfly \/ damselfly (order Odonata) with secondary study\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Plate number: 36\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Visible plate mark (intaglio impression)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Paper with age-appropriate toning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Presented in a custom frame\u003cbr\u003e•\u003c\/span\u003e Frame Size: Approximately \u003cspan\u003e15.5\"W x 19\"H inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis piece offers a compelling balance between scientific study and decorative art, making it an exceptional addition for collectors of natural history, cabinet of curiosities, or those drawn to the elegance of early entomological illustration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition consistent with age, including toning to the paper and minor wear to the frame.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gs\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\":sp\" class=\"ii gt\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\":pe\" class=\"a3s aiL\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"avWBGd-304\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Purchase \u0026amp; Condition Notice:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis item is antique\/vintage and sold \u003cb\u003eas-is\u003c\/b\u003e. Age-related wear, restoration, and imperfections are expected and form part of its character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll descriptions and attributions are opinions and may differ among experts. Any appraisal or valuation references are provided for context only and are not guarantees of value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy purchasing, you confirm that you have reviewed all images and information and are making an independent buying decision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll sales are final. This transaction is binding, and you agree not to dispute the purchase or initiate a chargeback based on condition, attribution, or valuation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"adL\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"avWBGd-305\" data-hash=\"0\" class=\"WhmR8e\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease read our Policies located on the left bottom portion of our websites footer prior to purchase. Purchasing is an acknowledgment of our policies. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penumbra Antiques","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":42736879697982,"sku":null,"price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0650\/9815\/4046\/files\/CDF34B15-8EB5-4AC7-827F-166863FAC87E.jpg?v=1777572358","url":"https:\/\/penumbraantiques.com\/products\/antique-hand-colored-dragonfly-engraving-edward-donovan-plate-36-framed-natural-history-art","provider":"Penumbra Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}