Landscape with Caterpillars and Butterflies [reverse] 1624

This is the reverse side of Abraham Dupré's undated bronze medal, "Landscape with Caterpillars and Butterflies." Dupré lived through the reign of Louis XIII in France, a time marked by religious and political tensions. The landscape at the bottom is dominated by a cityscape to the left and a forest to the right, bisected by water. Above the scene a series of butterflies are arranged across the top half of the coin. These butterflies were caterpillars first. What resonates is the sense of transformation. The Latin inscription, "NATVS. HVMI. POST. OPVS. ASTRA. PETO," translates to "Born of the earth, after my toil, I seek the stars." This medal speaks to the deep-seated desire for change, but also to the labor required. The work of transformation is a deep cultural theme, and one close to the heart of the individual, as it captures the hope of self-improvement, the aspiration to transcend one's origins, and the pursuit of a higher purpose.