Card 1, Gynaecia Dirce, from the Butterflies series (N183) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

This chromolithograph, “Card 1, Gynaecia Dirce, from the Butterflies series,” was issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. Here, the figure of Dirce is bestowed with butterfly wings, a transformation laden with symbolism. In antiquity, the butterfly symbolized the soul, metamorphosis, and rebirth. The Greeks saw Psyche, the soul, with butterfly wings, an emblem of transformation and immortality. This motif surfaces again in various forms throughout history, appearing in medieval Christian art to represent the resurrection, and, in modern times, in art nouveau and symbolist works. Consider the psychological weight of this imagery. The butterfly, a symbol of profound change, touches a deep, collective understanding of life's transient nature and the hope for renewal. The depiction of Dirce, thus winged, invites the viewer to reflect on the cyclical nature of existence and the enduring power of transformation. This symbol’s journey through time illustrates its ability to adapt, resonate, and speak to the ever-changing human experience.