Butterfly on Lily of the Valley with Bokeh Background
Painting on paper • Unidentified amateur artist; Contemporary School
Style & Movement
Contemporary illustrative realism with elements of decorative art and nature study
Medium & Technique
Acrylic on paper; features flat application, pointillism for body details, and scumbling/blending for the bokeh effect
Creation Period
Early 21st century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; Portrait orientation; Sketchbook format
Subject Description
A purple and white butterfly perched atop a stem of Lily of the Valley flowers. The composition features a vibrant green background with soft-focus circular light flares (bokeh), water droplets on a leaf, and a transition of flower colors from white to dark purple.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical signs of the sketchbook medium
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; appears to be a personal study or hobbyist creation within a spiral-bound sketchbook
Art Historical Significance
Representational of late 20th/early 21st-century amateur botanical and entomological art. It reflects popular contemporary aesthetics like digital photography bokeh and stylized nature illustration.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of white and black pointillism to create the texture of the butterfly's thorax and head; intentional color progression in the floral bells from light to dark.
Condition Issues
Minor edge wear at the spiral perforation; slight paint bleeding onto the top white margin; potential slight warping of the paper due to heavy acrylic application.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep horizontal and protected from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If displayed, use acid-free matting and UV-protective glass.