Hemaris hawk-moth, 18th century. Illustration of the broad bordered bee hawk-moth (Hemaris fuciformis) from 'Insecten-Belustigung' (1746-1761) by Germ

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Hemaris hawk-moth, 18th century. Illustration of the broad bordered bee hawk-moth (Hemaris fuciformis) from 'Insecten-Belustigung' (1746-1761) by German miniature painter, naturalist and entomologist August Johann Rosel von Rosenhof (1705-1759). Inspired by the work of Maria Sybella Merian, he endeavoured to show all stages of an insect's life history in life-poses where possible. To this end he raised and dissected many insects he found in the surrounding German countryside. He produced some of the most beautiful insect studies ever printed, and is recognised as an important figure in early entomology.

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Size: 4151px × 4210px
Photo credit: © PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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