Jan Sepp (1778-1853) is who we have to thank for this stunning atlas moth illustration. His work, Papillons de Surinam features a whole gallery full of beautiful colored butterfly and moth illustrations. Along with his father Jan Christiaan Sepp, they published and illustrated several natural history works.
Unlike, a previous atlas moth drawing that was in black and white, this moth drawing is in full color. I took a bit of creative license when removing the background of old yellowed and foxed paper, I added a brown mottled background to really set off the pretty colors of this moth.
Atlas moths are among the largest moths in the world. Sadly, they only live a few days once they reach the adult stage. But, oh, for those few days what a show of color and grace.
Like this atlas moth illustration? Just click on it to see the full-sized version.
This image is copyright free and in the public domain anywhere that extends copyrights 70 years after death or at least 120 years after publication when the original illustrator is unknown.
