August Johann Rösel von Rosenhof - Developmental Stages of a Caterpillar
August Johann Rösel von Rosenhof
Developmental Stages of a Caterpillar
Watercolour on textured paper (trimmed watermark). 21.7 x 16.4 cm.
August Johann Rösel von Rosenhof was a naturalist, miniaturist and engraver. His finely detailed studies of insects mean that he is considered one of the pioneers of modern entomology. He collected larvae and caterpillars in order to study their development and behaviour, making detailed notes and drawings. The first issue of his "Insekten Belustigung", which can be thought of as a prototype of modern day specialist magazines, appeared in 1740 and was later published in four collected volumes.