Moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera, Plate 25) by Frederick DuCane Godman, 1879

Frederick DuCane Godman’s Insecta Lepidoptera–Heterocera Pl. 036 (1879) is a classic of Victorian natural history illustration, devoted to the quiet drama of moths. An English naturalist born in 1834, Godman worked at the heart of the 19th‑century passion for collecting and classifying the living world. Here, he arranges multiple specimens against a pale ground so that wing shape, venation, and pattern can be compared at a glance—an approach that is as instructive as it is beautiful.

This fine art print is meticulously reproduced by The Unique Maps Co. on your choice of acid‑free, archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas with museum‑grade inks. Available in a range of sizes, it can be ordered unframed or set within our custom hardwood frames, with optional matting to suit your space. We also offer personalization and thoughtful customization—adjust margins, include or omit a caption, or coordinate a set for a gallery wall.

Godman was a leading figure in late‑Victorian natural history and a co‑editor of the monumental surveys of Central American biodiversity that shaped modern zoology. His work bridged scholarship and field observation, drawing on an international network of collectors and curators. The result was a body of imagery that continues to inform entomologists while captivating anyone drawn to the elegance of scientific draftsmanship.

Pl. 036 epitomizes the era’s rigorous approach to taxonomy. The moths—historically grouped under the term Heterocera—are posed to reveal diagnostic features: the spread of the forewings, the curve of the hindwings, the posture at rest. Set on a clean, almost chalk‑white field, each specimen can be studied in isolation yet also read as part of a broader comparative plate, just as 19th‑century scholars intended.

The color work is superbly restrained: warm oranges and beiges play against nut‑brown and tan markings, with fine stippling and delicate shading that model each body and wing without overpowering them. Crisp outlines, subtle gradations, and the intelligent use of negative space lend a sense of quiet order. Look for the ornamental rhythms—chevrons, scalloped margins, and soft bands—that make the plate a seamless blend of science and design. For admirers of Lepidoptera, this is both a lesson in morphology and a timeless decorative statement.

A refined choice for a study, library, hallway, or nature‑inspired nursery, this print makes a thoughtful gift for entomologists, wildlife lovers, and vintage illustration enthusiasts alike—perfect for Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s or Father’s Day, a housewarming, or as a memento for someone returning from travels in Central America.

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.