Three Butterflies c. 1683 - 1726

Curator: Right, let's dive into this delightful watercolour, "Three Butterflies," created sometime between 1683 and 1726 by Herman Henstenburgh. What's your first impression? Editor: Well, it feels... ephemeral. They're captured so delicately, as if they might flutter right off the page if you breathed on them. Almost a scientific approach meets art. Curator: Exactly. The watercolour medium really lends itself to that feeling of lightness. The butterflies, presented against that pale background, appear almost like specimens pinned for observation, their delicate forms meticulously rendered. Editor: There's something inherently symbolic about butterflies, isn't there? The classic metamorphosis—egg to caterpillar to chrysalis, and finally, this winged creature. It's practically a universal symbol of transformation and resurrection. Curator: Indeed! And each stage carries its own symbolism. In a way, they show the brevity and beauty of life. Looking closely, there's also a wonderful level of naturalism—Henstenburgh's keen eye allows us a kind of privileged access to detail you would hardly see at such scale otherwise. The care is in the details. Editor: It’s interesting how the varying sizes draw the eye—from the small pair to that larger tiger swallowtail that almost dominates the composition. Are these specimens that are commonly observed? Do we see the human attempt at ordering, but the beauty overrules categorization. Curator: They do feel grounded in specific species, lending that sense of observational science—I would say these were chosen more for variety and representation over, say, familial connections. These artists frequently worked off readily accessible source material to craft these watercolors. And the butterfly as symbol in 17th century Netherlands, certainly connected with the soul. Editor: That does give you a new perspective. Well, the beauty is undeniable, and that tension of scientific accuracy coupled with natural beauty continues to inspire me to revisit them each time I'm here. Curator: Agreed! It’s this delightful marriage between meticulous observation and a celebration of natural wonder, all presented with such airy grace that makes this such a striking piece, to me.