Papillons

Butterflies have enchanted humans for thousands of years, captivating our imagination for so long that they are deeply rooted in our culture and history. Whether depicted on ancient Roman mosaics, in illuminated manuscripts, on ceramic objects or captured digitally using the latest technology, butterflies have long been a favourite subject for artists around the world.

This book explores this enduring love for butterflies, moths and caterpillars in a journey across continents and cultures, revealing the countless ways in which artists and image makers throughout history, from ancient Egypt to the present day, have been inspired by these ethereal insects. Richly illustrated, this overview covers a wide range of styles and techniques—paintings, botanical illustrations, sculptures, photographs, film posters, and textiles—revealing the diversity and beauty of both day and night butterflies, as well as the different stages of their life cycle. It includes famous and lesser-known works by artists and designers such as Henry Walter Bates, Margaret Bourke-White, Wallace Chan, Jean Dubuffet, Mamie Gregory, Sheila Hicks, Frida Kahlo, Maria Sibylla Merian, Berthe Morisot, Yinka Shonibare and Vincent van Gogh.