Butterfly 1896

"Butterfly" is a 1896 watercolor drawing by renowned American landscape painter Albert Bierstadt. While best known for his dramatic, large-scale depictions of the American West, this intimate study of a butterfly showcases Bierstadt's deft hand at capturing natural detail. The delicate brushwork and subtle color variations create a lifelike representation of the insect, emphasizing its intricate wing patterns and delicate body structure. Although a departure from his usual subject matter, Bierstadt's "Butterfly" reveals his keen eye for observation and his ability to translate nature's beauty onto paper with masterful precision.