721 Robert Benard / Pietro Scattaglia - Antique Butterflies - Bombix

This hand-coloured engraving is from Guillaume-Antoine Olivier’s "Entomologie, ou, Histoire naturelle des insectes", engraved by Robert Benard. The work was published by Chez Baudouin, printer of the National Institute of Agriculture, located in Paris, 1789-1808.

Guillaume-Antoine Olivier was a French entomologist who made important contributions to the study of insects, particularly beetles. His work, "Entomologie, ou, Histoire naturelle des insectes", also known as "Entomologie, ou, Histoire naturelle des insectes traitant de la classification et de la description des insectes", was published in multiple volumes between 1789 and 1808.

Olivier's work focused on cataloging and describing various insect species, including beetles, and contributed significantly to the understanding of their taxonomy, morphology, and natural history. Like Latreille, Olivier played a crucial role in shaping the early foundations of modern entomology.

Artist

Robert Benard

Medium

Hand-coloured engraving

Date

1789-1808