Insecta Lepidoptera-Heterocera Pl 039 (1879–1915) by Frederick DuCane Godman is a consummate example of Victorian zoological illustration—an era when the natural world was recorded with the eye of a scientist and the hand of an artist. Godman, an English naturalist and collector born in 1834, devoted much of his life to the study and classification of insects, and this plate embodies that commitment: moths are presented with taxonomic clarity, their forms carefully isolated so that markings, wing shapes, and antennae structures can be compared at a glance. The composition favors accuracy over drama, reflecting the period’s fascination with classification and the Enlightenment tradition of observation.

This is a museum-quality fine art print produced by The Unique Maps Co., available on acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Your print is crafted to preserve the plate’s crisp linework and clean white ground, with options for a narrow border or full-bleed presentation. Choose from a range of sizes, from intimate study-scale to statement-making large formats. Professional framing, conservation-grade matting, and UV-protective glazing are available, along with personalization—such as a custom caption with the plate number, a dedication, or coordinated sets for a gallery wall.

About the artist: Frederick DuCane Godman (1834–1919) was a leading figure in late Victorian natural history, known for building world-class collections and publishing meticulously illustrated works that bridged scholarship and aesthetics. His entomological plates combined disciplined draftsmanship with a sensitivity to the subtleties that define species—attributes that made his publications invaluable to both researchers and enthusiasts. In Godman’s hands, scientific illustration becomes a refined visual language, translating minute anatomical distinctions into legible, elegant forms.

About the artwork: As part of the long-running Lepidoptera-Heterocera series (initiated in 1879), this plate reflects a pivotal moment when the documentation of biodiversity was a central scientific endeavor. The moths are arranged to facilitate side-by-side comparison—margins, venation, and the contour of fore- and hindwings are all made readily visible—allowing viewers to discern delicate differences that separate closely related taxa. Historically, such plates were tools for identification, but they also served as cultural artifacts of Victorian curiosity, discipline, and wonder.

Color, style, and design: The restrained palette—dominated by white, warmed by touches of orange and yellow, and enriched with quiet browns and creams—mirrors the natural hues of the specimens while keeping attention on pattern and form. Fine, even linework defines wing scales and body segments; soft washes and subtle gradients suggest the velvety texture of moth wings. Symmetrical markings across the wings, from eye-like spots to banded crescents, are rendered with measured precision. The result is an image that feels both minimal and intricate—equally at home in a modern interior or a traditional study—and a compelling choice for anyone drawn to natural history, design, and the meditative beauty of ordered detail. Historically, “Heterocera” refers to the moths as distinct from butterflies, a taxonomy once standard in the 19th century and still evocative of the period’s scientific mindset.

This print makes a thoughtful gift for entomologists and nature lovers, for birthdays and graduations in the sciences, as well as for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or a housewarming. It’s a refined way to celebrate curiosity—perfect for someone who finds beauty in close observation and the quiet poetry of the natural world.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.