Heather, Sweet Peas and Butterfly 19th century

This anonymous watercolor depicts a delicate cluster of heather and two sweet pea blossoms, along with a yellow butterfly in flight. The composition is simple and naturalistic, with the flowers arranged in a loose, organic manner. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the careful rendering of the petals, leaves, and butterfly wings. This piece exemplifies the popular 19th century fascination with botanical illustration, a genre that emphasized the beauty and scientific accuracy of nature. It is currently held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.