Insecta Lepidoptera-Heterocera (Plate 60) by Frederick DuCane Godman, 1879

Frederick DuCane Godman’s Insecta Lepidoptera-Heterocera Pl. 053 (1879) is a refined Victorian zoological illustration that unites scientific accuracy with elegant presentation. Across a luminous white ground, an array of moths is set out with clarity so that wing shapes, markings, and delicate antennae can be compared at a glance—an approach that typified late 19th-century entomology and its devotion to careful observation, classification, and record-keeping.

Offered as a museum-quality fine art print, this work is available on acid-free archival paper or luxurious artist’s cotton canvas. The Unique Maps Co. produces a range of sizes to suit study walls and statement spaces alike, with optional borders, custom trim to fit ready-made frames, and professional framing in black, white, or natural wood. Personalization and bespoke requests are welcome, including custom sizing and curated sets that pair beautifully with companion plates.

Godman (1834–1919), an English naturalist, stood at the forefront of a generation that transformed natural history into a visual language of taxonomy. His entomological plates became essential tools for scholars, collectors, and curious readers, making complex diversity legible through meticulously rendered comparisons. In the historical taxonomy of Lepidoptera, the term “Heterocera” denoted moths—a reminder of how scientific concepts evolve even as foundational images like this remain timeless.

Plate 053 exemplifies the practical beauty of the genre. The moths are arranged to encourage study: broad, scalloped wings appear alongside narrower, more elongated forms; subtle bands and spots are placed to be read as diagnostic clues rather than decorative flourish. Such layouts supported identification and learning, contributing to the expanding literature of biodiversity at a moment when engraved and lithographed plates were vital to research and education.

Aesthetically, the palette is warm yet restrained. On a clean white field, soft yellows and honeyed ochres mingle with nuanced oranges, while gentle earth tones and the faintest touches of green ensure each specimen reads with lifelike presence. Fine line work articulates venation and edges; transparent washes model volume without crowding the page. The generous negative space allows each figure to “breathe,” yielding a calm, scholarly composition that suits contemporary interiors—from reading nooks and home offices to gallery walls.

This print makes a thoughtful gift for entomologists, natural history lovers, and admirers of Victorian design—perfect for birthdays, housewarmings, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Christmas, or as a meaningful present for someone recently returned from a nature-filled journey.

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.