Descriptions of Various Species of the Heteropterous Genus Phyllomorpha

John Obadiah Westwood (1805-93) was a prolific and influential English entomologist, archaeologist and Oxford University professor -- considered one of the most important of his day -- who was actually an accomplished artist as well, filling some of his books with illustrations remarkable for their accuracy as well as their beauty; his books include the 1839 "An Introduction to the Modern Classification of Insects" and the 1848 "The Cabinet of Oriental Entomology." Hand-colored lithograph, 5 3/4" X 9¼", from the first edition of Westwood's "Arcana Entomologica; or Illustrations of New, Rare, and Interesting Insects" (London: W. Smith, 2 volumes, 1845). Near fine. Small (5/8" diameter) circular "M.H.S." inkstamped in blue at lower left, not affecting image. A delightful rendering of four types of the insect Cimex paradoxus artfully arranged around a tall green leafy stem with blue and yellow flowers. Delicately, expertly colored in shades of tan and brown. Accompanied by a two-page technical description (pages 7-8) of this species. A superb and wonderfully displayable example from this noted entomological text. Charming, even if it's detailed realism gives you the creepy-crawlies.