Beetles (Coleoptera, Plate 220) by Frederick DuCane Godman, 1879

Insecta Coleoptera Pl. 220 (1879) by Frederick DuCane Godman introduces a Victorian lens on the astonishing variety of beetles, rendered with the sober precision that defined nineteenth‑century natural history. Godman (1834–1919) was an English scholar, collector, and naturalist whose work helped shape the great scientific compendia of his era. This plate belongs to the tradition of rigorous entomological illustration—created to aid classification and study—where clear outlines, measured proportions, and consistent presentation turn observation into visual taxonomy.

This fine art edition from The Unique Maps Co. is available as a high‑quality print on acid‑free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Choose from a range of sizes, with optional framing and mount upgrades. We can personalize your piece with a custom title line, dedication, or discreet caption, and we’re happy to discuss bespoke sizing or color‑matched frames to suit your space.

Godman is best known for his role—often in collaboration with Osbert Salvin—in producing monumental studies of the natural world in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His commitment to careful documentation and collecting shaped museum holdings and advanced fieldwork-led taxonomy. Plates like this chime with the era’s pursuit of order and knowledge: drawn from direct observation, composed for clarity, and published to endure.

The subject here—Coleoptera, the vast order of beetles—is presented with scientific economy and visual grace. Each specimen is isolated against a clean white field, organized systematically to highlight key identifying features. The plate’s methodical structure, including the tidy elliptical frames surrounding individual insects, mirrors the period’s drive toward standardization in scientific publishing. This was art made to instruct, yet it retains a quiet beauty born of discipline and exactitude.

Color is handled with restraint and realism: warm browns and russet‑orange tones mingle with muted greens and subtle yellows, all carefully modulated to convey texture, sheen, and the hard gleam of the elytra. Fine linework articulates legs, antennae, and segmentation, while gentle shading suggests form without theatrical contrast. The result is a harmonious, balanced arrangement that reads both as a usable field reference and as a refined decorative print—ideal for study walls, libraries, and modern interiors that appreciate clean design and natural motifs.

This piece makes a thoughtful gift for entomologists, natural‑history lovers, and collectors of Victorian scientific art. It’s equally fitting for Christmas, Father’s or Mother’s Day, a housewarming, or as a conversation‑starting present for a teacher, researcher, or anyone captivated by the beauty of the natural world rendered with scholarly care.

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.