Card 44, Papilio Philenor, from the Butterflies series (N183) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

This is ‘Card 44, Papilio Philenor’ from the Butterflies series, created by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Here, we see the figure of a woman adorned with butterfly wings, a powerful symbol historically associated with the soul, transformation, and metamorphosis. In ancient Greek mythology, Psyche, the personification of the soul, is often depicted with butterfly wings, embodying the journey of the soul through life and death. Now, consider the enduring nature of this motif. From the delicate depictions of Psyche in classical art to the romanticized fairies of Victorian literature, the butterfly continues to flutter through our collective imagination. Yet, its meaning has subtly shifted. Here, in this commercial card, the butterfly is abstracted, tamed, and commodified. Perhaps this reflects our modern anxieties about nature, a subconscious desire to control and possess the very essence of transformation. As you contemplate this image, consider how the butterfly, once a symbol of profound spiritual significance, has been captured and transformed, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of our cultural memory.