Butterfly Albert REDIRECT: Bierstadt

Here we observe a depiction of a butterfly rendered in watercolor and ink on paper. The insect is centrally positioned against a plain, light-colored background, which allows for a concentrated focus on its form and coloration. The wings are the dominant feature; they display a complex interplay of green hues, ranging from vibrant emerald to muted olive, interspersed with patches of reddish-brown that create visual depth and texture. These darker areas appear particularly dense near the wing edges, suggesting shading and volume.
The artist has captured a sense of fragility in the delicate rendering of the antennae, which extend gracefully from the butterfly’s head. The body is depicted as a compact form with subtle detailing indicating its segmented structure. A signature and date – Albert Burstadt, May 21, 1900 – are inscribed in cursive script along the lower right side of the paper, providing context for the works creation and authorship.
The painting’s simplicity contributes to a feeling of quiet observation. The butterfly itself is a symbol often associated with transformation, beauty, and the ephemeral nature of life. Its depiction here, isolated against an unadorned background, might suggest a contemplation on these themes – a moment suspended in time, highlighting the transient elegance of the natural world. The meticulous detail suggests a scientific or observational approach to the subject matter, hinting at an interest in documenting the intricacies of the insect kingdom. The handwritten inscription adds a personal touch, grounding the image within a specific historical context and revealing the artist’s presence alongside his creation.