Butterflies by Adolphe Millot 1890

Butterflies by Adolphe Millot transports viewers into the vibrant, natural world of the late Victorian era. Created by the renowned French artist, lithographer, and entomologist Adolphe Philippe Millot in 1890, this enchanting zoological illustration was originally published for the esteemed French encyclopedia, "Le Larousse pour tous: nouveau dictionnaire encyclopédique." It features zoologically detailed renderings of a variety of butterfly species, each meticulously labelled in French, showcasing Millot’s unique confluence of scientific accuracy and artistic delicacy.

This offering is a museum-quality fine art print, faithfully reproduced for modern collectors and nature enthusiasts. Each print is produced either on acid-free archival paper, micro-textured to evoke the essence of watercolor paper, or on luxurious artist’s cotton canvas for a ready-to-hang masterpiece. Available in multiple sizes, prints can be elegantly framed and even personalized through The Unique Maps Co., making them perfect for any home or study setting.

Adolphe Millot (1857–1921) was an accomplished artist, favoured for his detailed illustrative work in natural history and his role as senior illustrator at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris. He held a distinctive place within both the art and entomology worlds, receiving an honourable mention by the Salon des Artistes Française and becoming an esteemed member of the Société entomologique de France. Millot’s works are treasured for their blend of scientific merit and aesthetic grace, a legacy enshrined in institutional collections and beloved by generations.

This exquisite illustration showcases a dazzling variety of butterflies and moths, including the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta, labeled as Vanesse Vulcania), the Peacock butterfly (Aglais io, Ocellee), Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra), Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni, Citron), the Map butterfly (Araschnia levana, Mars), the Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus, Argus), the Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus, Souci), the Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae, Petite tortue), the Comma (Polygonia c-album, Nymphale), the Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon, Grand porte-queue), the Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina, Satyre), the Hummingbird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum, Sphinx), the Death’s-head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos, Catax), Spanish Festoon (Zerynthia rumina, Proserpine), the Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus, Sylvaine), the Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia, Argynnis), the Apollo (Parnassius apollo, Apollon), a Skipper (Hesperiidae, Hespérie), the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui, Belle-dame), the Urania moth (Urania leilus, Uranie), the Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia, Saturnie), the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas, Attacus), and the Bombyx moth (Bombyx mori, Bombyx). Also present are the Morpho butterfly (Morpho, Morphée), various Heliconius butterflies (Heliconius, Heliconie), and the Chinese Swallowtail (Papilio xuthus, Papillon de Chine), as well as additional Urania and Armadille moths (possibly Armadillidium as a mislabel for a moth group).

This array celebrates both scientific diversity and the vibrant beauty of Lepidoptera, each specimen carefully rendered and labeled to highlight its unique characteristics.

In this composition, soft ochres, glowing oranges, aquamarines, striking whites, earthy browns, and brilliant cobalt blues dance across the page, resulting in an arresting riot of color on a parchment-toned background. The harmonious blend of neutrals with flashes of iridescent color makes the artwork endlessly rewarding to look at—every detail invites closer inspection, echoing the collector’s fascination shared by the Victorian naturalists. This piece brings a sense of curiosity, wonder, and subtle vintage flair to any room; it’s as much a scientific conversation piece as a statement of timeless design.

A perfect gift for butterfly enthusiasts, lepidopterists, or anyone who appreciates the intersection of science and art, Butterflies by Adolphe Millot is an inspired choice for special occasions, such as holidays, birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or as a housewarming gesture. It is a unique token of natural world appreciation and Victorian elegance, bound to delight anyone with an eye for detail.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.