A common mallow and a damselfly; a snowdrop and a lady butterfly

Executed in watercolour on paper, the work showcases Lemoyne de Morgues's skill in capturing delicate natural forms, though the specific stylistic nuances are more notable for their contribution to early botanical art than for expressive innovation.

Attributed to Jacques Lemoyne de Morgues, a Huguenot artist, this piece was part of an album rediscovered in the early 20th century, reevaluating Lemoyne's significance beyond his earlier association with woodcut designs.

Created during the late 16th century, this work reflects the burgeoning interest in botanical illustration driven by scientific curiosity and the aesthetic appeal of nature, common among Huguenot artists of the time.

Lemoyne de Morgues's botanical watercolours, including this piece, have secured his place as a remarkable early practitioner of botanical painting, distinct from his initial reputation based on woodcut designs.