Butterflies — Natural-history plate by Charles Dessalines d’Orbigny (19th century)

Wings like stained glass: bands, eyespots, and iridescent dust laid out with Victorian precision. This elegant entomological plate by Charles Dessalines d’Orbigny (1806–1876) arrays multiple butterfly species for clear comparison—science turned ornament, order made beautiful.

Why it captivates

• Nature’s geometry — bilateral symmetry and fine venation rendered with poise.

• Victorian clarity — numbered figures and tidy captions that read at a glance.

• Colour & pattern — eyespots, bands, and soft gradients that glow at scale.

• Timeless typography — period lettering with archival charm.

• Educational & decorative — perfect for studies, libraries, and living rooms.

• Statement artwork — intelligent focal point with calm, ordered energy.

What you’ll see

An orderly grid of butterfly specimens shown in dorsal and ventral views; crisp wing venation, antennae, and thorax/abdomen details; figure numbers keyed to concise labels. Up close: hairline hatching and delicate colour tints. From a step back: a serene tapestry of form and pattern.

A richer historical frame

A product of the 19th-century natural-history boom, d’Orbigny’s plates helped bring scientific taxonomy into homes and classrooms. Clear draughtsmanship and careful colouring turned field knowledge into elegant reference—images that informed study and shaped design taste alike.

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—perfect for busy spaces.

🪵 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 tone 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)

527 × 841 mm (approx. 20.75 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: ~0.627 : 1

• Nearest standard frame: A1 portrait (594 × 841 mm) with a custom mat

• Framing tips:

  • Classic look: cut the mat window to ~523 × 837 mm to overlap edges by 2–3 mm.

  • Contemporary look: float-mount in an A1 frame for a tall, elegant reveal.

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

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Natural-history enthusiasts & educators

• Design lovers drawn to elegant scientific plates

• Collectors & stylists curating informed, heritage-rich interiors

• Gift-givers celebrating graduations, studios, and new homes

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 quiet wings and ordered beauty grace your space—order your fine-art print of d’Orbigny’s butterfly plate today.