Watercolor of Insects, Page 6

DateCa. 1710-1720

Artist/Maker Eleazar Albin

MediumWatercolor on laid paper

Dimensions15" x 12 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1990-177, 6

DescriptionWatercolor of insects from manuscript book of various insects, page 6.
Label TextThis piece depicts an assortment of spiders and butterflies crafted with watercolors. The piece comes from a bound portfolio of fifty-seven different painted pages of illustrated insects, mostly butterflies. Within this collection of watercolors is the work of at least three artists—Eleazar Albin, Urtipre, and another unnamed artist. This watercolor was illustrated by Eleazar Albin, an eighteenth century artist and naturalist known for his illustrations of insects, birds, and fish. Albin crafted multiple books with his illustrations such as "A Natural History of English Insects," paired with descriptions of the specimens. He also cultivated various professional relationships with high English society, working under commission for his watercolors.