Insecta Lepidoptera-Heterocera, Plate 034 by Frederick DuCane Godman, 1879

Insecta Lepidoptera-Heterocera Pl 034 (1879) by Frederick DuCane Godman captures the Victorian era’s union of art and science. An English naturalist and renowned collector, Godman devoted himself to the careful documentation of biodiversity, and this plate presents a poised, comparative study of moths within the order Lepidoptera—historically grouped under Heterocera. Set against a crisp white ground, the specimens are arranged to emphasize wing shape, pattern, and coloration, inviting close inspection the way 19th-century scholars and enthusiasts would have approached a cabinet of curiosities on paper.

This is a museum-quality fine art print, faithfully reproduced on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas by The Unique Maps Co. Choose from a range of sizes to suit your space, with optional framing for a ready-to-hang presentation. Personalization—such as adding a discreet caption, date line, or dedication—is available on request, and we’re happy to help with custom sizing or gallery-wall sets.

About the artist: Frederick DuCane Godman (1834–1919) was a leading figure in Victorian natural history, known for his discerning eye and methodical approach. His work helped advance taxonomy at a time when global collecting and cataloguing were rapidly expanding. Godman’s plates are celebrated for their clarity: they were made to be read by scientists as much as admired by connoisseurs, revealing his commitment to accuracy and to the visual language of classification.

Why this subject matters: 19th-century natural history plates like this were working tools for researchers, collectors, and educators. By standardizing the presentation of specimens—often with concise labels and a consistent vantage—the images allowed for reliable comparison between institutions and collections. Here, the orderly spacing and uniform orientation of each moth highlight subtle distinctions in wing venation, banding, and silhouette—exactly the traits specialists needed to identify and sort species in an era before color photography.

Color, style, and design: The palette is warm and restrained—creamy whites supporting tawny oranges and rich browns, with occasional gray accents—so the delicate spotting and linear markings read clearly without visual clutter. Fine, controlled strokes define the anatomy, while the symmetrical rendering of each specimen keeps the composition balanced and serene. For today’s interiors, that restraint is a virtue: the print sits comfortably in a study, library, or living room, harmonizing with natural woods and neutral textiles and offering a subtle pop of color in its orange-brown notes. For those who appreciate scientific detail, the period taxonomy is front and center—Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) with the historical designation Heterocera (moths)—making it both educational and timeless.

A thoughtful gift for naturalists, entomology enthusiasts, teachers, and anyone drawn to Victorian design, this print suits Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s or Father’s Day, housewarmings, or as a sophisticated memento for someone who treasures the quiet beauty 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.