© The Estate of Edith Rimmington

Butterflies in various stages of metamorphosis converge on and inside a human hand in this painting by Edith Rimmington. The details of the butterflies, and the positioning of the hand reminded some viewers of botanical and anatomical drawings. Interactions between humans and nature were commonly displayed in Surrealist artworks and allowed artists to explore their own encounters with life. In this instance, Rimmington is exploring interactions between humanity and nature, art and science, and life and death, setting herself as a Surrealist.

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