Antique Butterfly & Moth Lithograph (1894) — Unknown Artist

A flutter of colour and quiet wonder. This late-19th-century entomological lithograph gathers butterflies and moths into a beautifully ordered plate—delicate veining, velvety wings, and crisp captions set against a calm ground. Equal parts science and style, it’s a natural-history classic for living rooms, studies, and gallery walls.

Why it captivates

• Natural-history charm — a curated array of Lepidoptera rendered with scholarly finesse.

• Rich vintage palette — warm creams, ember reds, moss greens, and inky blacks.

• Graphic balance — symmetrical layout that reads beautifully from across the room.

• Conversation piece — where art, science, and travel romance meet.

• Timeless décor — works solo or paired with other flora & fauna plates.

What you’ll see

Multiple butterfly and moth specimens arranged in a classic plate composition: dorsal views with outstretched wings, neat species labels, and fine lithographic textures that catch every vein and eyespot. The result is order, colour, and character—a snapshot of Victorian curiosity.

A richer historical frame

By the 1890s, affordable colour lithography brought the natural world into parlours and classrooms. Publishers collaborated with naturalists and engravers to produce plates that were both didactic and decorative. This 1894 sheet, by an unknown artist, sits squarely in that tradition—cataloguing beauty with scientific poise, designed to educate, delight, and endure.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp linework, minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—great for kitchens, studios, and classrooms.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich colour and fine detail.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

841 × 686 mm (approx. 33.11 × 27.01 in)

• Orientation: Landscape

• Aspect ratio: ~1.226 : 1

• Nearest standard frame: 70 × 100 cm (landscape) with a custom mat window cut to ~837 × 682 mm (2–3 mm overlap).

• Framing tips:

  • Classic: warm off-white mat, slim black or walnut moulding.

  • Contemporary: float-mount in a 70 × 100 cm or A0 frame for generous negative space.

Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Natural-history lovers & collectors

• Designers & stylists seeking refined colour and symmetry

• Educators & students of entomology and illustration

• Gift-givers after a classic, conversation-starting print

Our Commitment

Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.

Let vintage wings brighten your space—order your 1894 Butterfly & Moth lithograph today.