Butterfly on Flowering Branch with Shadows , Fine 19th Century Watercolor interlocking wooden puzzle Earlyish 20th century I believe

Earlyish 20th century I believe

and noticeable only upon close inspection

6 3/8" x 4 1/8"  and in very good condition

two layers of wooden sole

Butterfly on Flowering Branch with Shadows , Fine 19th Century Watercolor interlocking wooden puzzle Earlyish 20th century I believeA 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