Aurora Borealis in High Latitudes from the book William MacKenzie's National Encyclopedia (1891)

Aurora Borealis in High Latitudes (1891) — from William MacKenzie’s National Encyclopedia

A sky written in electricity. This late-Victorian plate captures the Northern Lights as veils, arcs, and spears of colour sweep the polar night—emerald bands tipping to rose and violet, stars pricking through the glow. At once scientific and sublime, it brings the hush of high latitudes to any room.

Why it captivates

• Polar magic — nature’s grand light show rendered with period clarity.

• Victorian poise — crisp engraving and tasteful colour for timeless display.

• Science meets wonder — geomagnetic spectacle explained and adored.

• Versatile palette — cool greens and blues with warm accents suit modern interiors.

• Conversation piece — a classic image of exploration-era curiosity.

What you’ll see

Sweeping auroral arcs crowned by rayed curtains; soft gradations from emerald to rose-violet; a quiet horizon line with distant terrain or water; and a star-studded sky. The composition balances atmosphere and structure—motion frozen in layered, luminous bands.

A richer historical frame

By the 1890s, encyclopedias and popular science atlases translated cutting-edge research into elegant wall plates. The aurora—once omen, then mystery—was understood as sunlight’s charged particles guided by Earth’s magnetic field into the upper atmosphere, where they excite gases into light. This 1891 image preserves that blend of explanation and awe, giving viewers both a diagram and a dream.

Choose your finish

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

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—great for busy spaces 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 gradations.

🪵 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 × 604 mm (approx. 33.11 × 23.78 in)

• Orientation: Landscape

• Aspect ratio: ~1.39 : 1

• Nearest standard frame: 70 × 100 cm (landscape) with a custom mat window cut to ~837 × 600 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.

• A-size option: Prefer A-series? We can supply an A1-friendly 594 × 841 mm version on request.

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

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Nature lovers & stargazers

• Designers & stylists seeking cool, luminous colour

• Educators & students of earth science and atmospheric optics

• Gift-givers after a cultured, 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.

Bring polar light into your space—order your 1891 Aurora Borealis print today.