Composition

Butterfly, Library Of Congress

v.: Butterfly, Library Of Congress

Although possibly intended for Whistler 1899 (F)[more], neither butterfly was used although the skipping butterfly resembles the one which adorns the 'Resumé' (Butterfly [M.1574]). The obsequious butterfly on the verso is a bit like that of 'Noblesse Abuse!' (see Butterfly for 'Noblesse abuse!' [M.1551]).

Technique

The pen lines are very confident. It was drawn in ink, with corrections in white. Above the butterfly on the recto are drafts of a wriggly tail crossed out.