Limited Edition Mourning Cloak Butterfly Signed and Numbered Fine Art Print

This numbered and signed work, from a limited run of 50 fine art prints, makes a one-of-a-kind gift.

Nymphalis antiopa, the mourning cloak, and Aglais milberti, milbert’s tortoise-shell, are known to overwinter as adults, often appearing on the first warm days of spring. The mourning cloak is named for the somber gray tones of the underside; the upperside, pictured in the painting, is subtly gorgeous, with a maroon-brown ground color that took me several weeks to get right. In England this butterfly is known as the Camberwell beauty, a rare migrant from the continent that was much sought-after by early lepidopterists.

This painting faithfully and precisely reproduces the beautiful colors and striking design of the insects I have pursued and studied since childhood. My style is inspired by that of my grandfather, Arthur Cushman, a noted illustrator who worked for the Smithsonian Institution and the USDA, whose paintings and drawings helped set the standard for scientific illustration in the mid 20th century.

> Signed and numbered print in a limited edition of 50

> Free shipping on all orders

> Printed on 230 gsm, 14 mil, acid-free, 100 percent cotton Fine Art Bright White paper

> Archival pigmented inks for superior resistance to fading, greater scratch resistance, and color stability.

My original 15 x 20 watercolor painting is also available – please contact me at specimenartcollective@gmail.com for more information about owning an original.