Artwork
Snake and Butterfly
Snake and Butterfly is an ink print by the Baroque artist Johann Teyler. It dates from 1691 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Snake and Butterfly is a print created by Johann Teyler around 1691 using color etching and engraving techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a tense scene between a snake coiled around a branch and a bright blue butterfly perched above it, poised to be struck. The contrast between the rough texture of the snake's skin and the delicate lines and dots on the butterfly's wings adds to the scene's tension.
Technique & Style
The print was produced using the à la poupée method, where the plate was inked by hand with different colors applied to specific areas, giving the print a drawing-like quality.
Artist & collection
