LeConte's Pine Mouse (Arvocola pinetorum) by John Woodhouse Audubon, 1845

Arvocola pinetorum, LeConte’s Pine Mouse (Male & Female, Natural Size) by John Woodhouse Audubon, 1845, is a masterclass in Victorian zoological illustration. Created during a moment when art and science moved in tandem, this plate presents a male and female pine mouse at true scale, rendered with quiet clarity so the viewer’s eye lingers on fur texture, paw structure, and the compact, rounded silhouette of these elusive mammals. Audubon’s restrained setting—an understated ground with stone and sprigs—keeps attention on anatomy and proportion, epitomizing the Romantic naturalism that defined 19th‑century natural‑history art.

This edition is a museum-quality fine art print produced by The Unique Maps Co. Choose from acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas, both printed with long‑lasting pigment inks. Available in a full range of sizes, it can be ordered unframed or framed in gallery-quality mouldings. We also offer tasteful personalization options—such as a custom caption or dedication—and can advise on sizing, borders, and frame finishes to suit your space.

John Woodhouse Audubon, son of the famed John James Audubon, was an accomplished naturalist-artist in his own right. In the 1840s he helped develop the mammal plates that complemented his father’s groundbreaking work on North American birds. His approach balanced field observation with studio refinement, yielding lifelike poses and meticulously observed surfaces that served both the scientific community and an art-loving public.

The subject here—LeConte’s pine mouse—reflects the period’s deepening fascination with biodiversity and taxonomy. The plate records the species at natural size and includes both sexes, underscoring scale and morphology without sensationalizing the setting. Historically labeled Arvicola pinetorum on the plate, the species is now generally classified as Microtus pinetorum and is commonly known as LeConte’s pine mouse; this dual naming adds to the print’s value as a document of evolving scientific language and classification in the mid‑19th century.

Color and technique make this work especially compelling on the wall. A crisp white field heightens the warm orange and brown notes in the animals’ pelage, while soft gradients articulate fur and the textured rock beneath. Delicate earth tones and unobtrusive greens keep the composition serene and scholarly, with enough contrast for visual impact across a room. The result is a timeless blend of precision and poise—ideal for libraries, studies, and contemporary interiors that favor quiet, intelligent design.

A thoughtful gift for naturalists, wildlife enthusiasts, veterinarians, and students of zoology, this print also suits Christmas, birthdays, Father’s or Mother’s Day, a housewarming, or as a memento for someone who loves rambling through pine woods and the hidden lives they shelter.

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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.