Iconotypes: A compendium of butterflies and moths. Jones's Icones Complete

Icones by Johan Christian Fabricius is a seminal work in the study of natural history, featuring finely delineated paintings of more than 760 species of Lepidoptera, many of which were described for the first time. This enhanced facsimile edition includes expert commentary, contextual essays, annotated maps, and modern taxonomic names.

Format: Hardback
Length: 688 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2021
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Joness Icones is a remarkable collection of paintings that showcases over 760 species of Lepidoptera, many of which were described for the first time by the renowned naturalist. This monumental work represents a pivotal moment in the study of natural history, marking a significant contribution to the field. The publication of Joness Iconotypes in 1787 marked the debut of his seminal work, accompanied by expert commentary and contextual essays. The book also features annotated maps that illustrate the locations of each species, providing valuable insights into their distribution and habitat.

Joness meticulous paintings span the early 1780s to the early 1800s, drawing inspiration from his extensive collection and the collections of renowned naturalists such as Joseph Banks, Dru Drury, Sir James Edward Smith, John Francillon, the British Museum, and the Linnean Society. For each specimen depicted in his paintings, he meticulously provided the species name, the collection from which it originated, and the precise geographical location where it was discovered.

In 1787, during a visit to London, the Danish scientist Johann Christian Fabricius encountered Joness paintings and recognized the significance of his work. Based on Joness illustrations, Fabricius identified and described 231 species of butterflies and moths, establishing a foundation for modern taxonomy. This enhanced facsimile edition of Joness Icones aims to clarify his references to historical sources and provide modern taxonomic names for the depicted species. Additionally, it includes notes on which paintings serve as iconotypes, further enhancing our understanding of his artistic process.

Contextual commentary by Richard I. Vane-Wright, a specialist entomologist, offers a comprehensive account of Joness life and his unwavering passion for collecting butterflies. Vane-Wright evaluates the significance of Joness work, highlighting its impact on lepidoptery and taxonomy. Interspersed throughout the pages of Joness paintings are modern maps that depict the locations of each species, providing a visual reference for readers. Expert essays on the development of lepidoptery and taxonomy after Linneaus, as well as the roles of collectors and natural history artists from the late 1700s to mid-1800s, further enrich the content of this remarkable book.

With an impressive 1600 illustrations in color, Joness Icones is a visual masterpiece that showcases the intricate beauty and diversity of Lepidoptera. This collaboration between Joness and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History ensures the preservation and dissemination of his remarkable legacy for future generations.

Weight: 2130g
Dimension: 200 x 258 x 60 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500024324