Insekten LIV. / Insectes LIV. / Insects LIV. / Insetti LIV. (Water Scorpion)

rom F. J. Bertuch's Bilderbuch für Kinder. This natural history plate depicts the water scorpion (Nepa cinerea), shown both with wings spread and with wings folded. Issued between 1790 and 1830, Bertuch's Bilderbuch was an elaborate pictorial encyclopedia created to introduce children to the natural and cultural world in all its variety. Plate LIV demonstrates the blending of scientific accuracy and artistic clarity, presenting the insect in multiple views to teach readers about its form and adaptations while maintaining the elegant style characteristic of the series.