Three Butterflies, Herman Henstenburgh, c. 1683 - c. 1726

paper, h 162mm × w 250mm More details

Herman Henstenburgh from Hoorn often embellished his floral still lifes with butterflies and insects. Sometimes he also drew them separately, as in this drawing of a life-sized swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). This butterfly from the Papilionidae family, recognizable by the tiger-stripe markings on its wings, can reach a wingspan measuring between 80 and 140 millimetres.