Beetles (Coleoptera, Plate 1) by Frederick DuCane Godman, 1879
20% off 2 — 33% off 3
Add any two eligible items to your bag to receive 20% off. Add a third and it will be complimentary (equivalent to 33% off when purchasing three).
No code needed — the offer applies automatically at checkout.
Valid on all standard maps and fine art prints. You can mix and match any designs.
If you’d like to ship items to multiple addresses, please contact us before placing your order.
Custom and bespoke commissions are excluded.
Contact us if you have any questions
20% off 2 — 33% off 3
Add any two eligible items to your bag to receive 20% off. Add a third and it will be complimentary (equivalent to 33% off when purchasing three).
No code needed — the offer applies automatically at checkout.
Valid on all standard maps and fine art prints. You can mix and match any designs.
If you’d like to ship items to multiple addresses, please contact us before placing your order.
Custom and bespoke commissions are excluded.
Contact us if you have any questions
Designed in London Made in Australia
Designed in London • Made in Australia
Restored from the original 1879 artwork and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Read the full description below.
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
- Made locally for fast, safe delivery
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Insecta Coleoptera Pl 1 by Frederick DuCane Godman introduces the viewer to the exacting beauty of Victorian zoological illustration. First published in...
Read the full product descriptionInsecta Coleoptera Pl 1 by Frederick DuCane Godman introduces the viewer to the exacting beauty of Victorian zoological illustration. First published in 1879, this plate belongs to the golden age of natural history, when the meticulous study of beetles—Coleoptera—was central to cataloguing the diversity of life. Godman, an English naturalist born in 1834, presents an array of specimens with scholarly restraint and crystalline clarity. Against a crisp white field, the forms are arranged for legibility rather than drama, their proportions, plated wings, and antennae described with quiet precision that rewards close looking.
This listing offers a museum-quality fine art print of Godman’s plate, produced by The Unique Maps Co. on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Available in a range of sizes with optional borders and custom titling, each print can be framed in-house in black, white, or natural wood for a ready-to-hang presentation. Personalization options—such as a gift dedication or a concise caption—let you tailor the piece for a study, library wall, or gallery grouping.
Frederick DuCane Godman was among the foremost British naturalists of the late 19th century, renowned for his vast collections and for co-producing monumental surveys of flora and fauna. His collaborations helped establish standards for scientific documentation that balanced rigorous taxonomy with refined draftsmanship. In this plate, his editorial eye guides the viewer: specimens are spaced and scaled to reveal diagnostic traits at a glance, a hallmark of the era’s best entomological work.
The subject itself—Coleoptera, the vast order of beetles—speaks to endurance and variety in nature. During the Victorian period, collectors, scholars, and travelers exchanged specimens and knowledge at a remarkable pace, and plates like this bridged laboratory, library, and salon. This sheet exemplifies that intersection of science and art: it is both a teaching tool and a decorative object, carrying the authority of its time while remaining fresh to contemporary eyes.
Visually, the print is restrained and elegant. A largely monochrome rendering set on a white ground prioritizes structure over spectacle, yet the plate is warmed by gentle beige paper tones and occasional russet-orange accents in the inking that enliven contours and patterns. Fine stippling and linear hatching capture the smooth armor of elytra, the articulation of legs and joints, and the balanced geometry of head, thorax, and abdomen. The result is a composition that reads clearly from afar and reveals exquisite detail up close—ideal for a gallery wall or above a writing desk.
Consider this piece a thoughtful gift for naturalists, entomology enthusiasts, and anyone who loves Victorian design—perfect for Christmas, birthdays, Father’s or Mother’s Day, a housewarming, or to welcome someone home from travels. Its measured palette and timeless subject make it at home in classic libraries, mid-century interiors, and modern minimal spaces alike.
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.
Insecta Coleoptera Pl 1 by Frederick DuCane Godman introduces the viewer to the exacting beauty of Victorian zoological illustration. First published in 1879, this plate belongs to the golden age of natural history, when the meticulous study of beetles—Coleoptera—was central to cataloguing the diversity of life. Godman, an English naturalist born in 1834, presents an array of specimens with scholarly restraint and crystalline clarity. Against a crisp white field, the forms are arranged for legibility rather than drama, their proportions, plated wings, and antennae described with quiet precision that rewards close looking.
This listing offers a museum-quality fine art print of Godman’s plate, produced by The Unique Maps Co. on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Available in a range of sizes with optional borders and custom titling, each print can be framed in-house in black, white, or natural wood for a ready-to-hang presentation. Personalization options—such as a gift dedication or a concise caption—let you tailor the piece for a study, library wall, or gallery grouping.
Frederick DuCane Godman was among the foremost British naturalists of the late 19th century, renowned for his vast collections and for co-producing monumental surveys of flora and fauna. His collaborations helped establish standards for scientific documentation that balanced rigorous taxonomy with refined draftsmanship. In this plate, his editorial eye guides the viewer: specimens are spaced and scaled to reveal diagnostic traits at a glance, a hallmark of the era’s best entomological work.
The subject itself—Coleoptera, the vast order of beetles—speaks to endurance and variety in nature. During the Victorian period, collectors, scholars, and travelers exchanged specimens and knowledge at a remarkable pace, and plates like this bridged laboratory, library, and salon. This sheet exemplifies that intersection of science and art: it is both a teaching tool and a decorative object, carrying the authority of its time while remaining fresh to contemporary eyes.
Visually, the print is restrained and elegant. A largely monochrome rendering set on a white ground prioritizes structure over spectacle, yet the plate is warmed by gentle beige paper tones and occasional russet-orange accents in the inking that enliven contours and patterns. Fine stippling and linear hatching capture the smooth armor of elytra, the articulation of legs and joints, and the balanced geometry of head, thorax, and abdomen. The result is a composition that reads clearly from afar and reveals exquisite detail up close—ideal for a gallery wall or above a writing desk.
Consider this piece a thoughtful gift for naturalists, entomology enthusiasts, and anyone who loves Victorian design—perfect for Christmas, birthdays, Father’s or Mother’s Day, a housewarming, or to welcome someone home from travels. Its measured palette and timeless subject make it at home in classic libraries, mid-century interiors, and modern minimal spaces alike.
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.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.
I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.
My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.
I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.
I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.
Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.
Map personalisation
If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.
The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.
To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.
Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.
Map ageing
I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.
Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.
All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.
If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!
If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
