Exquisite c. 1840s German Zoological Watercolor: Unusual Variety of Snake-like Creatures! old tin cooking dish 89 Moths & Butterflies

89 Moths & Butterflies

Photos document first one

It looks like the gold paint was painted (maybe not too long ago) over an older grayish green

12 1/16" l x 2 9/16" w x 2 1/4" t and in very good condition

not identified as Fornasetti by the dealer

Exquisite c. 1840s German Zoological Watercolor: Unusual Variety of Snake-like Creatures! old tin cooking dish 89 Moths & ButterfliesThis is not a hand colored engraving, it is an original, beautifully executed ink and watercolor drawingone of several I purchased from a seller in Germany, and which appear all done by the same person, c. 1840s I believe. Whether made in advance of, or after, an engraving for a zoological volume I am not certain (though I'd guess the former) whatever the case, quite spectacular, and with the fantastic execution amplifying a sense of wonder at