Classic Flying Squirrel Print – 1843 Natural History Antique Wall Art
This Flying Squirrel Print depicts the Pteromys volucella in remarkable scientific detail across a weathered woodland stump. Each 19th-century nature illustration is reproduced on museum-grade paper for a sophisticated gallery finish.
What You Will Receive
- Made to order, museum-grade art print. Frame not included unless stated.
- Printed on 200 GSM premium matte paper for crisp detail and zero glare.
- Archival giclée inks that resist fading for decades.
- Multiple size options. Use the selector above.
- Protective packaging: rigid mailer or sturdy tube.
Print Quality
Every print is produced using state-of-the-art giclée technology on heavyweight 200 GSM matte paper. The non-reflective surface eliminates glare while the archival pigment inks deliver rich, accurate colours designed to last a lifetime.
Size Guide
For walls above furniture, choose a print roughly two thirds to three quarters the width of the piece below it. Smaller sizes up to 11×14 inches suit gallery walls. Larger formats of 18×24 inches and above create striking focal points.
Verified Customer Reviews
Shipping
Every order is printed on demand. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, then ships free worldwide with tracking.
| Region | Processing | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3–5 days | 2–6 days | 5–11 days |
| Canada | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| UK & Europe | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| Australia & NZ | 3–5 days | 8–15 days | 11–20 days |
| Asia | 3–5 days | 7–15 days | 10–20 days |
| Rest of world | 3–5 days | 10–20 days | 13–25 days |
📦 Packaging
Prints up to 12×18 inches ship flat in rigid cardboard mailers with backing board. Larger prints are rolled in sturdy tubes with protective end caps. Every package includes moisture barriers and Handle With Care labels.
Returns and Replacements
- 30-day return window from delivery. No questions asked.
- Report damage within 48 hours with photos for a free replacement.
- Full refunds for eligible returns in original condition.
- Cancel before production starts for a complete refund.
- Return shipping covered for defective or incorrect items.
Need help? info.merchfuse@gmail.com
How to Care for Your Print
Follow these steps to keep your print looking gallery fresh for decades.
Handling
Allow rolled prints to relax flat for 30 to 60 minutes. Handle by the edges with clean, dry hands and avoid touching the printed surface.
Placement
Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and high humidity areas. North-facing walls receive less UV. Use LED or incandescent lighting instead of fluorescent.
Framing
Use acid-free mats and UV protective glass or acrylic for maximum longevity. Leave a small gap between print and glazing for airflow.
Cleaning
Dust framed glass with a soft cloth. Spray the cloth, not the glass. For unframed prints, use a dry microfibre cloth and never apply liquids to the surface.
Climate
Keep temperature at 18–24 °C and humidity at 40–60%. Avoid attics, basements and garages where conditions swing widely.
Storage
Store flat in acid-free folders, interleaved with tissue paper, in a cool dark place. Never fold. Check stored prints annually.
⚠️ Avoid
- Prolonged direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
- Bathrooms, kitchens and areas above heat sources.
- Tape, adhesives or liquids applied directly to the print.
- Rolling with the image facing inward as this can crack the ink layer.
- Extreme or rapid temperature and humidity changes.
📊 Expected Lifespan
- 100+ years when framed with UV protective glazing and indirect light.
- 50–75 years when framed with standard glass and indirect light.
- 25–50 years when stored correctly in darkness.
This 1843 Flying Squirrel Print offers a window into the golden age of American natural history illustration. Originally documented during the mid-19th century, this plate serves as a taxonomical record of the Pteromys volucella, more commonly known as the Southern Flying Squirrel. The composition showcases five distinct specimens, providing a comprehensive look at the species’ behavior, anatomy, and arboreal habitat. Each figure is rendered with fine-lined precision, highlighting the specialized patagium—the furred membrane extending from the wrists to the ankles that allows these nocturnal mammals to glide through the forest canopy.
Historical Accuracy of the Flying Squirrel Print
The provenance of this Flying Squirrel Print traces back to the era of large-scale lithographic expeditions, where naturalists and artists collaborated to document the North American wilderness. The artwork emphasizes the physical characteristics that define the species, such as the large, dark eyes adapted for night vision and the flat, rudder-like tail used for stability during flight. In this specific plate, one squirrel is captured mid-glide, displaying the aerodynamic silhouette of the stretched membrane, while others are seen perched or peering from a hollow in the decaying tree trunk. The level of detail in the fur texture and the gnarled bark of the stump reflects the rigorous observational standards of 1840s scientific art.
Technical Composition and Aesthetic Appeal
The color palette of this Flying Squirrel Print is characterized by earthy, organic tones. Soft browns and greys define the squirrels’ pelage, while the tree trunk is rendered with deep umbers and charcoal shades to suggest aged, weathered wood. This neutral color scheme makes the artwork a versatile addition to various interior environments, from traditional studies to modern living spaces. The negative space surrounding the central tree structure ensures that the focus remains entirely on the subjects, providing a clean, academic look that is characteristic of the period’s folio plates. Unlike modern digital photography, these hand-drawn lithographs possess a tactile quality, where every hatch mark and stipple contributes to the three-dimensional feel of the animal’s form.
Museum-Quality Production Standards
Our 1843 Flying Squirrel Print is reproduced using contemporary archival methods to ensure longevity and visual fidelity. We utilize 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper, which provides a heavy, premium feel and prevents glare under different lighting conditions. The use of professional large-format archival inks ensures that the subtle gradients and fine lines of the original lithograph are preserved without fading over time. This Flying Squirrel Print arrives ready for standard framing, allowing you to choose a mounting style that complements your specific decor requirements. Whether you are a biologist, a collector of antique Americana, or someone who appreciates the intersection of science and art, this reproduction maintains the integrity of the original 19th-century work.
Adding a Flying Squirrel Print to your collection is an investment in a storied tradition of wildlife documentation. The Pteromys volucella remains a fascinating subject for study, and this illustration captures the animal with a sense of dignity and curiosity. The interaction between the various specimens on the plate creates a narrative of woodland life, moving beyond a simple portrait to show a social group in their natural element. By choosing this archival reproduction, you are preserving a piece of scientific history that continues to be relevant for both educational and decorative purposes.
Paper: 200 GSM museum-grade matte finish.
Inks: Fade-resistant archival, professional large-format.
Framing: Ships unframed, standard frame-ready.
Digital download: 300 DPI PDF/JPG at $3.90.
This is fan-inspired artwork and an original artistic interpretation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially licensed by any studio, production company, label, artist, photographer, or rights holder.
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $74.90
