Moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera, Plate 40) by Frederick DuCane Godman, 1879

Frederick DuCane Godman’s Insecta Lepidoptera-Heterocera Pl. 022 (1879) is a quintessential Victorian zoological illustration devoted to moths. Created at a time when science and art moved in tandem, the plate exemplifies the 19th‑century drive to catalogue the natural world with clarity and beauty. Set against a clean, light ground, carefully observed specimens reveal the subtlety of their wing shapes and markings, speaking to the era’s devotion to taxonomy, field study, and printed scholarship.

This listing offers a museum-quality fine art reproduction of Godman’s plate, available on acid-free archival paper or on artist’s cotton canvas. The Unique Maps Co. produces each print with crisp linework and faithful color, in a range of sizes to suit desk nooks, gallery walls, or statement pieces. Add optional framing, choose warm or cool matting, and request bespoke touches—such as a title line, plate number, or a personalized dedication—to create a print tailored to your space or your recipient.

Godman (1834–1919) was an English naturalist and collector whose life’s work bridged exploration, specimen collecting, and the publication of authoritative natural history volumes. He moved within a network of scientists and illustrators committed to documenting biodiversity at a moment when global expeditions were rapidly expanding Western knowledge of flora and fauna. Plates like this one were not mere ornaments; they were reference tools that helped define and share the language of entomology.

In this composition, moths from the Heterocera group—the nocturnal counterparts to butterflies—are arranged with the quiet logic of a study sheet. Their presentation reflects 19th‑century scientific rigor: measured spacing, consistent orientation, and small labels that indicate individual taxa for comparison. By isolating each specimen on a pale ground, the plate invites both scholarly scrutiny and aesthetic appreciation, demonstrating how illustration supported the careful work of classification.

The color work is restrained yet captivating: a bright white background heightens the warm play of orange and yellow across the wings, while muted browns, tans, and the gentlest greens echo the natural pigments of living specimens. Fine strokes and delicate shading model texture and pattern—from scalloped margins to subtle banding—so that each moth reads as both a data-rich figure and a work of art. The result is serene and timeless, ideal for interiors that favor natural textures, minimal palettes, and a touch of cabinet‑of‑curiosities charm.

This print makes a thoughtful gift for naturalists, entomology students, and anyone who admires the intersection of science and design. It’s a refined choice for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or a housewarming—and a lovely surprise for a friend who’s recently visited a natural history museum or rekindled a love of the outdoors.

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.