Papilio laertes or Laertes butterfly illustration from The Naturalist's Miscellany (1789-1813) by George Shaw (1751-1813)

Papilio laertes (Laertes Butterfly) — from The Naturalist’s Miscellany — George Shaw (1789–1813)

A jewel of Georgian natural history. This elegant plate presents Papilio laertes with poised wings and fine entomological line—an image where scientific clarity meets decorative grace.

Why it captivates

• Delicate taxonomy — crisp outline and measured proportion.

• Antique charm — the refined look of late-18th-century natural history.

• Display versatility — serene neutrals with lively wing markings.

• Conversation starter — scholarship and beauty in a single plate.

• Timeless subject — a classic butterfly study for any room.

• Statement artwork — perfect for studies, libraries, and gallery walls.

What you’ll see

A single, carefully rendered specimen set on a clean ground with precise wing patterning and period captioning/inscription. Up close: fine line and subtle tonal shifts. From a step back: a calm, symmetrical composition with gentle colour accents.

A richer historical frame

Appearing across 1789–1813, George Shaw’s The Naturalist’s Miscellany brought the era’s curiosity for the natural world to a wide audience—clear description, elegant plates, and a balance of scientific order and decorative appeal.

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.

🪵 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)

841 × 502 mm (approx. 33.11 × 19.76 in)

• Orientation: Landscape

• Aspect ratio: ~1.675 : 1

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

• Framing tips:

  • Classic: mat window ~837 × 498 mm for a tidy 2–3 mm overlap.

  • Contemporary: float-mount in an A1 frame for a crisp gallery reveal.

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

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Natural-history enthusiasts & collectors

• Designers building scholarly, calm interiors

• Educators & libraries illustrating entomology and print history

• Gift-givers marking milestones with classic elegance

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 science and graceful wings elevate your space—order your fine-art print of Papilio laertes today.