Johann Gottlob Sam. Rosel Paintings

Johann Gottlob Samuel Rosel, more commonly known as J. G. S. Rosel or Rosel von Rosenhof, was a German artist, engraver, and entomologist born in September 1734 in Arnstadt, which is now in Thuringia, Germany. He is often confused with his grandfather, the painter Johann Heinrich Roos, and sometimes with his uncle, the miniaturist Johann Melchior Roos (or Rosel). Rosel von Rosenhof is particularly known for his contributions to natural history illustration, especially in the field of entomology.

Rosel was trained in art by his family members, who were involved in painting and engraving. He showed an early interest in natural history and began combining his artistic talent with his fascination for insects. His most famous work is the 'Insecten-Belustigung' ('Insect Entertainment'), a multi-volume set of books published between 1746 and 1761. This work was one of the most significant of its kind during the 18th century and included detailed illustrations and descriptions of various insects, many of which had not been systematically categorized before.

In addition to his entomological interests, Rosel produced a range of artworks including miniatures and portraits, though these are less well-known today compared to his natural history illustrations. His approach to insect illustration was meticulous and artistic, often placing the specimens in naturalistic settings and including plants that were associated with the species depicted. This not only provided a scientific resource but also contributed aesthetically to the field of natural history art.

Rosel's work was influential in his time and continues to be of historical importance. His illustrations were not only valuable to the scientific community but also to a wider audience, as they helped popularize the study of insects. Through 'Insecten-Belustigung', Rosel contributed significantly to the development of entomology as a scientific discipline. He died in March 1782 in Nuremberg, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost natural history illustrators of his time.