Crimson Crawfish (Palemon Ornatum) illustrated by Charles Dessalines D' Orbigny (1806-1876)

Crimson Crawfish (Palemon ornatum) — after Charles Dessalines d’Orbigny (1806–1876)

A jewel from the golden age of natural history. This exquisite 19th-century crustacean study—attributed to Charles Dessalines d’Orbigny—pairs scientific precision with painterly finesse. Fine stipple, clean labels, and a luminous carmine carapace make it a standout for kitchens, studies, beach houses, and anyone who loves the quiet poetry of marine life.

Why it captivates

• Natural-history elegance — a classic zoological plate rendered with crisp, scholarly detail.

• Rich marine palette — warm reds and shell tones that sing against a soft ground.

• Conversation piece — equal parts science and décor; loved by collectors and coastal stylists.

• 19th-century pedigree — aligned with France’s celebrated tradition of engraved scientific atlases.

• Versatile styling — reads beautifully solo or as part of a gallery wall of flora & fauna.

What you’ll see

A meticulously drawn crawfish/shrimp-like decapod posed laterally to showcase antennae, chelae, abdominal segments, and tail fan; delicate plate markings and period typography; subtle shadowing along the carapace. The presentation balances taxonomy and artistry—order, colour, and character on one elegant sheet.

A richer historical frame

Throughout the mid-1800s, Parisian presses united field observation and master engraving to produce atlases that educated physicians, naturalists, and the curious public alike. Associated with the prolific editor and naturalist C. D. d’Orbigny, plates like this codified species traits with an artist’s eye. The name “Palemon (historical classification) ornatum reflects the period’s taxonomy, when crustaceans were being actively described, compared, and reorganised across Europe’s museums and salons.

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)

529 × 841 mm (approx. 20.83 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: ~0.629 : 1 (≈ 5 : 8)

• Nearest standard frame: A1 (594 × 841 mm) — portrait

• Framing tips:

  • Classic: A1 frame with a mat window cut to ~525 × 837 mm (2–3 mm overlap).

  • Contemporary: float-mount in an A1 frame for a clean shadow gap and visible plate border.

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

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Coastal homes & stylists seeking refined marine accents

• Collectors of natural-history prints

• Educators & students of zoology and illustration

• Gift-givers after something charming, bright, and timeless

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.

Invite a flash of scientific scarlet into your space—order your Crimson Crawfish print today.