Butterfly on Flowering Branch with Shadows , Fine 19th Century Watercolor interlocking wooden puzzle part Michelin man

part Michelin man

perhaps ones of plants and trees most of all

This the a really lovely old beveled glass hand mirror (often described as Shaker)

and noticeable only upon close inspection

Butterfly on Flowering Branch with Shadows , Fine 19th Century Watercolor interlocking wooden puzzle part Michelin manA couple more today from a group of beautifully executed 19th c. ink and watercolor butterflies, likely done by a young woman, 1870s or so I would guess and this one as much a botanical study as a butterfly portrait. Feels to me almost akin to a Mapplethorpe photograph of a flower quite a suggestive, velvety red orchid like bloom looking poised to swallow that butterfly! Quite finely done, with pale ink wash shadows enhancing its sense of realism and