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The great South Sea Caterpillar, transformed into a Bath Butterfly (Sir Joseph Banks) 1795

The great South Sea Caterpillar, transformed into a Bath Butterfly (Sir Joseph Banks) 1795

Image Reference: 40950
Artist/Photographer: Gillray, James; Humphrey, Hannah
Image Date: 1795
Measurements: 35 x 25 cm
Medium: print
Collection: Scrapbooks
Library Reference: Hunt Vol. 2, p.1
Credit: Bath & North East Somerset Council
Library: Bath Record Office : Archives & Local Studies

Description: Satirical cartoon. "Description of the New Bath Butterfly taken from the philosophical transactions for 1795. This insect first crawled into notice from amongst the weeds and mud from the banks of the South Sea; & 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 noticed and valued solely on account of the beautiful red which encircles its body & the shining spot on its breast, a distinction which never fails to render caterpillars valuable". Identified as Sir Joseph Banks in pencil at the bottom of the text.
Del. & fec. J.G. Published by H. Humphrey, No. 37, New Bond Street, 4th July 1795. See Image Ref. 24669.

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