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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Oliver Goldsmith was an Irish writer and historian whose accessible science writing introduced natural history to a broad audience. His influential works in the late eighteenth century shaped how English-speaking readers engaged with the animal world, blending education with curiosity and wonder.
This butterfly plate, published in 1820, reflects the enduring impact of Goldsmith’s legacy. During this period, illustrated natural history books became prized possessions, merging scientific observation with visual artistry. Such works were designed to inspire both learning and appreciation for the diversity of nature, making them cherished additions to personal libraries and collections.
The Artwork
Purple Emperor Butterfly is part of the entomological tradition that flourished as scientific classification advanced in the early nineteenth century. Butterflies, with their striking forms and symbolic associations with transformation, were ideal subjects for collectors and scholars alike. Plates like this served as educational tools, enabling enthusiasts to identify and compare species, and to participate in the era’s fascination with cataloguing the natural world.
For those drawn to the intersection of science and art, similar works can be discovered in the science wall art and vintage animal prints collections, where the spirit of discovery continues to inspire.
Style & Characteristics
The composition features several butterfly specimens, each meticulously separated and rendered with fine outlines and delicate shading. The Purple Emperor is depicted with its wings open, displaying subtle purples, browns, and creams, while companion species are arranged for easy comparison. The background is a soft, neutral paper tone, emphasizing clarity and scientific precision over decorative flourish.
This restrained palette and orderly arrangement evoke a sense of calm and focus, characteristic of early nineteenth-century natural history illustration. The overall effect is meditative and scholarly, appealing to those who appreciate classic reference imagery and understated elegance.
In Interior Design
This vintage butterfly print brings a sense of quiet detail and natural beauty to spaces such as studies, hallways, or bedrooms. Its refined presence complements both traditional and contemporary interiors, from minimalist to cottage-inspired settings. Framed simply, it pairs well with natural materials like wood and brass, and can be layered with other curated color stories.
For a cohesive look, consider echoing one of the butterfly’s accent tones in textiles or accessories, or explore the purple tone art prints collection to create a harmonious, poetic atmosphere.