Escargots et papillons

Bodmer employed traditional etching methods, incising fine lines into a copper plate to achieve a range of tonal values. The resulting scratches produce deep shadows and crisp outlines, giving the foliage a tactile, three‑dimensional quality despite the medium’s flat surface. The meticulous line work reflects his broader interest in naturalistic illustration.

Created toward the end of Bodmer’s career, the print follows his earlier work in watercolor, lithography, and engraving that documented European riverine landscapes. While specific ownership records are scarce, the piece is representative of his later period, during which he turned increasingly toward detailed studies of flora and fauna.