Cynthia Cenone butterfly card from the Butterflies and Moths of America series 1862 - 1869

This chromolithograph of a Cynthia Cenone butterfly was created by Louis Prang & Co. sometime between 1800 and 1950. Butterflies have long held symbolic weight across cultures, often representing transformation and beauty, but also the fleeting nature of life. In the late 19th century, advancements in printing technology, particularly chromolithography, made color images more accessible, influencing both art and popular culture. Prang, a key figure in this movement in America, aimed to democratize art through affordable, high-quality prints. These "Prang cards" were collected and traded, shaping visual literacy and influencing design. The card’s existence reflects a growing interest in natural history, fueled by scientific exploration and colonialism. These images shaped public understanding of the natural world and also raise questions about the politics of representation, as they often reflect the biases and power structures of their time. Delving into the history of chromolithography and the social context of collecting helps us understand how images like this one played a role in shaping cultural values and knowledge. Researching Prang's company, as well as the collectors of these cards, will tell us more.