Overview
A delicate hand-colored natural history illustration of the Southern White Admiral butterfly, identified by its French common name 'Le Petit Sylvain.'
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A delicate hand-colored natural history illustration of the Southern White Admiral butterfly, identified by its French common name 'Le Petit Sylvain.'
Story
Natural history prints like this were the high-definition photography of the 1800s, created during a time when the 'Natural History Craze' gripped Europe.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, the style and nomenclature are heavily influenced by the work of Jean-Baptiste Godart and Pierre-André Latreille, who produced the definitive 'Histoire naturelle des lépidoptères' in the early 19th century.
Condition & Value
The print appears to be in good condition with no visible foxing or water damage. The frame shows minor age-appropriate wear which adds to its vintage character. The matting appears clean and acid-free, which helps preserve the paper. Excellent preservation of the colors.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375