What is this Lepidoptera print, and where does it come from?

This is a vintage butterfly illustration from J. H. Sulzer’s 1776 book on insects. It was originally made in Switzerland to help people identify different species using the newest scientific methods of that time.

Is this an original antique page or a handcrafted replica?

It is a handcrafted historical art replica. The original 1776 images were hand-colored copperplate engravings. We recreate that look using modern techniques and hand-finishing so you can have a piece of history that is durable enough to frame and enjoy today.

What makes the Artifex finish look like parchment style wall art?

We use a special process that includes hand-processed paper, beeswax, and burned edges. The beeswax gives the paper a deep, warm color and a unique texture. The burned edges and gold accents make it look like a precious artifact rather than a standard modern print.

Will this butterfly wall art arrive safely with international shipping?

Yes. We ship our prints worldwide. Each one is rolled and wrapped in protective bubble wrap. Then, we place it inside a very sturdy cardboard box to make sure it arrives in perfect condition.

Can I order a custom size for this Sulzer 1776 butterfly print?

Yes. If you have a specific frame or a certain spot on your wall in mind, just message us with the dimensions you need. We are happy to create a custom size that fits your space perfectly.

Lepidoptera - J. H. Sulzer, 1776. (Butterflies Wall Art)
This print brings a sense of quiet discovery into your home. It features a collection of butterflies spaced perfectly across the page, making it feel open and calm. It is a wonderful choice for a reading nook or a gallery wall if you love art that tells a story from the past.

About this butterfly print

This artwork comes from the famous 1776 book Abgekürtzte Geschichte der Insecten by the Swiss scientist J. H. Sulzer. The original images were created by Johann Rudolf Schellenberg, a master artist known for his incredible detail.

The focus here is on Lepidoptera. This is the scientific name for butterflies and moths. At the time this was made, scientists were just starting to use the Linnaean system to name every living creature. Each butterfly on this page was carefully chosen to show the variety of nature. If you enjoy the scientific look of this page, you might also like our Hymenoptera (Insects) Print which features bees and wasps from the same historical collection.

Craft & finish

Every replica we make is individually hand-processed in our family workshop. We finish the paper with a traditional beeswax seal to give it a warm, heavy texture. Our team also adds subtle gold paint details by hand to help the artwork truly shine. To complete the look, we hand-burn the edges to give each piece the feel of a true historical artifact.

While our smaller sizes are perfect for gallery walls, our 43x61 cm Large replica is a museum-scale centerpiece. Because of the size, the hand-processing and beeswax application take much longer. This extra time and care ensures that every centimeter of the historic illustration is preserved with a rich, authentic glow.

Find more prints like this in the Vintage Insects Art collection.

Lepidoptera (J. H. Sulzer, 1776.) - Vintage Butterfly Print

Name: Lepidoptera (J. H. Sulzer, 1776.) - Vintage Butterfly Print
Brand: Artifex Replicas

€49.00

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At Artifex Historical Replicas, we bridge the gap between museum archives and your home. Each piece is a handcrafted historical art print recreated from authentic primary sources, including antique city views and botanical illustrations.

Hand-Processed Paper: We use specialized paper with burned edges and a beeswax finish to replicate the weight and feel of genuine old parchment.

Gilded Details: Our workshop adds subtle real gold accents, bringing the same glow to your walls found in 16th-century illuminated manuscripts.

Custom Sizes & Worldwide Shipping: We offer bespoke sizing for custom frames and ship our historical replicas globally from our family workshop.

Explore our full guide on how we create, display, and restore parchment-style replicas.
Q1: What is this “Lepidoptera” print, and where does it come from?
A: This is a vintage butterfly illustration from J. H. Sulzer’s 1776 book on insects. It was originally made in Switzerland to help people identify different species using the newest scientific methods of that time.

Q2: Is this an original antique page or a handcrafted replica?
A: It is a handcrafted historical art replica. The original 1776 images were hand-colored copperplate engravings. We recreate that look using modern techniques and hand-finishing so you can have a piece of history that is durable enough to frame and enjoy today.

Q3: What makes the Artifex finish look like “parchment style” wall art?
A: We use a special process that includes hand-processed paper, beeswax, and burned edges. The beeswax gives the paper a deep, warm color and a unique texture. The burned edges and gold accents make it look like a precious artifact rather than a standard modern print.

Q4: Will this butterfly wall art arrive safely with international shipping?
A: Yes. We ship our prints worldwide. Each one is rolled and wrapped in protective bubble wrap. Then, we place it inside a very sturdy cardboard box to make sure it arrives in perfect condition.

Q5: Can I order a custom size for this Sulzer 1776 butterfly print?
A: Yes. If you have a specific frame or a certain spot on your wall in mind, just message us with the dimensions you need. We are happy to create a custom size that fits your space perfectly.
Your handmade historical replica is finished with a traditional beeswax seal to create an authentic parchment texture. Because of this artisan process, care is slightly different than a standard poster:

Flattening: If your print has a slight curve from shipping, simply unroll it and place it under clean, flat weights (like books) for 24–48 hours.

Removing Creases: The beeswax finish is flexible. If a crease appears, gently warm the area with a hair dryer on low heat. As the wax relaxes, the crease will vanish into the paper. Note: Avoid open flames to ensure the safety of your art.

Display & Environment: To preserve the rich colors and wax texture, display your print away from direct sunlight, radiators, or humid areas. High heat can soften the wax, and UV light can fade historical inks over time.

Framing Tip: For the best archival look, we recommend framing behind glass in a dry, room-temperature environment.

Lepidoptera (J. H. Sulzer, 1776.) - Vintage Butterfly Print

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