Papilio Polymnestor & Papilio Peranthus Butterflies

23.5 x 14.5cm (9.25x 5.5 inches).

Papilio peranthus butterfly from Java in Indonesia and Cochin China. Papilio polymnestor butterfly from East Indies (Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea etc).

This rare antique engraving is from "Histoire Naturelle des Lepidopteres Exotiques" by Pierre-Hippolyte Lucas. It was made in Paris in 1834, has superb original hand painted colouring and is in very good condition. The paper has a pleasant light cream tone. There is a little minor foxing. Lucas was a French entomologist at Paris's Natural History Museum.