Card 30, Pyrameis Atalanta, from the Butterflies series (N183) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

This is an advertisement card, part of the Butterflies series, created by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Here, the figure of Atalanta, adorned with butterfly wings, embodies a fascinating blend of classical mythology and the natural world. Her figure is a potent symbol that has evolved through time, from ancient Greek legends to modern representations. The butterfly, historically associated with the soul, metamorphosis, and rebirth, is a powerful motif, linking her to the continuous cycle of life and transformation. We see echoes of this imagery in ancient funerary art, where butterflies symbolize the soul's journey. The image taps into a collective memory, evoking a sense of renewal. The image of Atalanta with butterfly wings invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of existence, the constant flux between form and transformation, and the enduring power of symbols across cultures and eras.