Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) — after Charles Dessalines d’Orbigny (1806–1876)
A tapestry of russet, honey, and cream. This 19th-century natural-history plate—attributed to C. D. d’Orbigny—captures the magnificent Atlas Moth, famed for its vast wings and serpent-headed tips. The careful stipple, velvet paneling, and poised spread make it a showstopper for studios, living rooms, and nature-rich interiors.
Why it captivates
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Natural-history drama — one of the world’s largest moths rendered with museum-grade finesse.
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Sumptuous palette — warm siennas and creams with inky borders that sing on the wall.
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Scholarly clarity — crisp plate markings and tidy period labels reward close viewing.
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Versatile styling — pairs beautifully with other flora/fauna prints or stands alone.
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Collector appeal — a classic of 19th-century zoological illustration.
What you’ll see
A full dorsal spread Atlas Moth: scalloped forewings with the iconic snake-head tips, luminous ocelli (eye-like markings), and finely drawn antennae arcing like ferns. Subtle shadowing lifts the body and wing veining from the page—order, colour, and texture in perfect balance.
A richer historical frame
Mid-1800s Paris was a golden age of illustrated science, where publishers married field observation with master engravers to bring distant species into European salons and schools. Associated with the prolific editor-naturalist Charles Dessalines d’Orbigny, plates like this bridged taxonomy and art. You may see the historical name “Attacus aurora” on period impressions—an older classification now folded into the celebrated Attacus atlas lineage across the tropics of Asia.
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)
531 × 841 mm (approx. 20.91 × 33.11 in)
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Orientation: Portrait
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Aspect ratio: ~0.631 : 1 (≈ 5 : 8)
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Nearest standard frame: A1 (594 × 841 mm) — portrait
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Framing tips:
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Classic: A1 frame with a mat window cut to ~527 × 837 mm (2–3 mm overlap).
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Contemporary: float-mount in an A1 frame for a clean shadow gap and visible plate border.
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Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) — historical label “Attacus aurora” |
| Artist/Attribution | after Charles Dessalines d’Orbigny (1806–1876) |
| Date | 19th century |
| Historical Context | French natural-history atlas tradition; historical nomenclature noted |
| Print Size | 531 mm (W) × 841 mm (H) |
| Available Finishes | Paper, Laminated, Laminated + Timber Hang Rails, Canvas, Canvas + Timber Hang Rails |
| Paper Weight | 160 gsm archival matte |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss (true encapsulation) |
| Canvas Weight | 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Natural timber, lacquered; fitted hanging cord (allow up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Printed in Australia |
Who it’s for
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Design lovers seeking bold natural colour with classical restraint
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Natural-history collectors and coastal stylists
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Educators & students of entomology and illustration
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Gift-givers after something striking, elegant, 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.
Let this queen of the night garden grace your wall—order your Atlas Moth print today.
