Artwork
Butterfly
Butterfly is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Mary Altha Nims. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Butterfly, a drawing by Mary Altha Nims from circa 1804, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work depicts a single butterfly in a lifelike pose with its wings fully extended.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a solitary butterfly rendered in meticulous detail, emphasizing its natural beauty. The precise depiction suggests an interest in botanical or entomological illustration prevalent during the early 19th century.
Technique & Style
Characterized by smooth color blending, the drawing features contrasting wing colors: vibrant green with red accents on the upper wings, and pale blue-gray with orange spots on the lower wings. The black body and straight, thin antennae add to the overall sense of realism.
History & Provenance
Created around 1804 by Mary Altha Nims, the drawing's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.
Context
The piece reflects the early 19th-century fascination with natural history and the emerging techniques in color illustration during that period.
Artist & collection
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