jim henson

Today's Art and Beauty Tuesday is Blue Morpho Butterfly by Martin Johnson Heade.

The delicate blue butterfly is shown contrasted against an olive green background.  The right hand side of the butterfly is a beautiful ice blue while the left side is shown in dark shadow, highlighting the metamorphosis that happens when it emerges from its chrysalis.

I can't help but wonder what the light source is in this picture. Because butterflies are sometimes used to symbolize resurrection, it makes me think of the blue of Mary's mantel, being illuminated by the light of Christ. Even the traditionally brilliant yellow is dwarfed by the beautiful blue in this picture.