Aurelius Prize 

Mary Jane Ansell painted ‘Aurelius Prize’, in what appears to be oil, showing a fair-haired woman with several butterflies suspended by strings. This image is rich in symbolism, with the butterflies serving as the most poignant motif. Butterflies have long been associated with transformation and the soul. We see echoes of this symbolism in ancient Greek art, where Psyche, the goddess of the soul, is often depicted with butterfly wings. Consider how the butterfly has transformed in meaning over time. In early Christian art, it symbolized resurrection, a theme that resonates even now, representing the soul's journey through life, death, and rebirth. Here, the woman acts as a puppeteer, controlling the butterflies, yet her distant gaze suggests a detachment, perhaps symbolizing the fragile and transient nature of life. This interplay of control and fragility engages the viewer on a deep, subconscious level. It evokes the anxieties and aspirations tied to our own fleeting existence. The cyclical progression of the butterfly, from earthbound caterpillar to ethereal winged creature, underscores the eternal dance of life and death. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, continually engaging us across the ages.