Card 42, Argynnis Idalia, from the Butterflies series (N183) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

Card 42, Argynnis Idalia, from the Butterflies series, was produced by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as a promotional item, a small, chromolithographic card intended to be collected. During this era, the representation of women often leaned towards idealized forms, linking femininity with nature. The card blurs the line between woman and butterfly, raising questions about identity and transformation. The figure's delicate features and the butterfly wings evoke themes of beauty and fragility. The commercial nature of the card—a product meant to be consumed and collected—adds another layer. How does the commodification of this image of femininity reflect or shape the social perceptions of women? It suggests a certain societal expectation, yet might also be seen as a celebration of feminine beauty. Ultimately, this card invites us to reflect on the intertwined themes of identity, nature, and commercial representation in the late 19th century, and how these themes continue to resonate today.