Artwork
Ex Libris with a Butterfly and Dragonfly

Ex Libris with a Butterfly and Dragonfly is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1877 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ex Libris with a Butterfly and Dragonfly is a print created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1877 using multiple techniques on Japanese paper. It is currently held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene natural scene featuring a butterfly and dragonfly hovering above a cluster of leaves and flowers. The soft purples and grays dominate the color palette, with darker lines defining the forms.
Technique & Style
Buhot employed a range of printmaking techniques, including etching, drypoint, spirit ground, and aquatint, to achieve a varied texture and subtle color transitions. The blending of purple ink into the paper creates a dreamy, slightly faded effect, while fine lines and smooth shading bring the insects and plants to life.
Artist & collection







![Gillingham Pier, London [verso], by Félix-Hilaire Buhot](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/felix-hilaire-buhot--gillingham-pier-london-verso--641e03dd7de8217b-w320.webp)





