IMAGE
Gillray, James, 1757-1815 :The great South Sea caterpillar, transformed into a Bath butterfly... Js. Gy. des. et fect. Published July 4th 1795 by H. Humphrey, No. 39 New Bond Street [London]
- Date
- 1795
- By
- Gillray, James, 1757-1815; H Humphrey (Firm); Turnbull, Alexander Horsburgh, 1868-1918
- Reference
- B-093-014
- Description
A caricature of Sir Joseph Banks. He is shown as a giant butterfly, rising from a rocky Pacific island, his Order of the Bath star on his chest, and plants (reflecting his botanising) sprouting from his hair and body. Shells, crustacea, and other sea creatures adorn the large wings on his back. In the top left, a sun, with the British crown at its centre, shines down on him.
Letterpress below the image further explains: 'Description of the New Bath butterfly - taken from the 'Philosophical Transactions for 1795' - 'this insect first crawl'd into notice from among the weeds & mud on the Banks of the South Seas; & being afterwards placed in a warm situation by the Royal Society was changed by the heat of the sun into its present form - it is notic'd & valued solely on account of the beautiful red which covers its body & the shining spot on its breast; a distinction which never fails to render caterpillars valuable'.
Other Titles - Drawn and engraved by James Gillray
Quantity: 1 colour art print(s).
Physical Description: Engraving, hand-coloured , 342 x 241 mm
Provenance: Collection of Alexander Turnbull?
- Access restrictions
- Partly restricted - Please use surrogate in place of original
- Format
- 1 colour art print(s), Works of art, Engravings, Portraits, Caricatures, Engraving, hand-coloured , 342 x 241 mm
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Gillray, James, 1757-1815. Gillray, James, 1757-1815 :The great South Sea caterpillar, transformed into a Bath butterfly... Js. Gy. des. et fect. Published July 4th 1795 by H. Humphrey, No. 39 New Bond Street [London]. Ref: B-093-014. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23255372More information can be found in our terms of use.