Butterfly c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have "Butterfly" by Henry Marsh, dating from the late 19th or early 20th century and held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels so delicate, almost ephemeral. The tiny details in the wings give the impression of a real, fluttering creature captured on paper. Curator: I find the choice of medium interesting. The artist likely employed pen and ink, focusing on readily available materials. What this reveals about resource constraints, distribution networks and artistic training. Editor: For me, it evokes a sense of longing, maybe for simpler times. A single butterfly, observed and rendered with such care... it speaks of slowing down. Curator: Precisely. Perhaps the artist used their skills in observation and detailed rendering, not merely to depict a butterfly, but to provide insights into the social and economic context from which they created. Editor: It's a little memento, an instant caught that still breathes wonder. I appreciate it.