SOLD Lepidopterine Mite, Surrealesque 1790 Shaw and Nodder Hand-colored Copper Engraving old vice I assume to it being

I assume to it being displayed with that side facing for a good number of years

Drawing size (visible) is 6 7/8" x 4 5/8"

Surely some fading to the ink and general toning to the paper

looks like a  jockey to me

SOLD Lepidopterine Mite, Surrealesque 1790 Shaw and Nodder Hand-colored Copper Engraving old vice I assume to it beingThis is a hand colored Shaw and Nodder copper engraving of a Lepidopterine Mite. As I understand it, these mites specifically targets the tympanic membranes (ears) of owlet moths, invading and breed in the moth's ear. And only one ear of the moth, leaving the moth with one functional ear, allowing it to still hear and evade predators, and ensuring the host (and the mite) survives Amazing. And, as rendered here, it looks like a completely surreal,