Moths (Lepidoptera-Heterocera, Plate 42) by Frederick DuCane Godman, 1879

Frederick DuCane Godman’s Insecta Lepidoptera-Heterocera Pl. 041 (1879) is a quintessential Victorian zoological illustration, created at a moment when exquisitely detailed plates were the backbone of scientific communication. An English naturalist born in 1834, Godman worked at the confluence of exploration and scholarship, documenting the remarkable diversity of Lepidoptera before photography could serve researchers at scale. This plate captures moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) with a calm, measured clarity—each form precisely observed so patterns, shapes, and subtle color differences become reliable guides to identification.

Our edition is a museum-quality fine art print, 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, it can be ordered unframed or expertly framed to suit your space, with optional personalization such as a custom caption or dedication. Each print is carefully color-matched to honor the spirit of the original plate, ensuring crisp lines and faithful tones.

Godman (1834–1919) is best known for his role—often in collaboration with Osbert Salvin—in compiling the monumental Biologia Centrali‑Americana, an ambitious catalog of the flora and fauna of Central America. His contributions helped solidify the conventions of scientific illustration in the late 19th century, where accuracy was paramount and beauty was a natural outgrowth of careful observation. This plate exemplifies his ability to balance taxonomic utility with refined draftsmanship.

Historically, illustrations like this were vital tools for entomologists, students, and collectors. Before high-resolution imaging, such plates were the authoritative visual references that made comparison and classification possible across continents and archives. Inset against a clean, uncluttered field, the moths here are arranged to emphasize diagnostic features—wing shape, venation, and markings—so that study and appreciation go hand in hand.

On the page, a crisp white ground allows the specimens to glow. You’ll notice rich yet naturalistic coloration—burnt oranges and lemony yellows accented by deeper blues and warm browns—applied with fine linework and soft shading that lends each insect a lifelike presence. The symmetrical wing patterns read like miniature textiles, while the varied silhouettes create a rhythmic composition. For anyone fascinated by the grace of Lepidoptera and the elegance of Victorian design, this print offers both scientific rigor and decorative sophistication.

Thoughtful and timeless, this piece makes a superb gift for naturalists, entomology students, and lovers of vintage scientific art. It’s equally at home in a study, library wall, or bright, modern interior—and a perfect choice for birthdays, housewarmings, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Christmas, or to welcome someone back 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.