166 Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683–1741) – Cherry Branch with Metamorphosis of Butterfly – From Phytanthoza Iconographia – Botanical & Entomological Engraving (c.1737)
This detailed copperplate engraving depicts a branch of a cherry tree with broad veined leaves and ripening fruit, surrounded by several stages in the life cycle of a butterfly. From caterpillar to chrysalis to fully winged adult, the composition integrates naturalistic observation with artistic elegance. The butterflies, most likely from the Nymphalidae family, are shown hovering near the foliage, while the lower part of the plate illustrates their developmental stages in parallel with the plant's form. The engraving is numbered “XV” in the lower corner, indicating its place in the celebrated botanical atlas Phytanthoza Iconographia.
Johann Wilhelm Weinmann was a German apothecary and botanical scholar whose Phytanthoza Iconographia stands as one of the great scientific and artistic achievements of the 18th century. The work featured over a thousand botanical and zoological illustrations, engraved with fine detail and often hand-coloured. Weinmann’s team included the young Georg Dionysius Ehret, who would later become a central figure in botanical art. These engravings combined scientific ambition with the refined visual language of the Baroque period.
Artist or Maker:
Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Dimensions:
42 cm x 26 cm
Medium:
Copperplate Engraving
Date:
c.1737
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 3,000 - 5,000 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 25% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 60 SEK |
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