Butterfly Wing Picture Value Guide

This antique butterfly wing picture depicts the Pied Piper of Hamelin, a classic fairy tale scene popularized by British makers like Thomas Mott during the Art Deco era. These pieces are highly collectible for their use of genuine iridescent Morpho butterfly wings, which create a shimmering, multidimensional effect that cannot be replicated by paint alone.

What affects the value of Butterfly Wing Picture?

• Condition of the wings, specifically looking for any fading or 'foxing' caused by moisture trapped under the glass.
• The complexity of the Pied Piper scene compared to simpler, more common tropical landscape designs.
• The presence of an original, undamaged frame and the integrity of the backing seal.
• Vibrancy of the blue hues, as exposure to direct sunlight can dull the natural iridescence over time.

How to Identify Butterfly Wing Picture?

• Look for the characteristic brilliant blue iridescence of genuine Morpho butterfly wings, which shift color when tilted.
• Check for a 'Made in England' or 'T.L.M.' (Thomas L. Mott) hallmark on the reverse or frame edge.
• Examine the fine hand-painted details of the Pied Piper figure layered over the natural wing fragments.
• Verify the presence of original Art Deco era wooden framing and protective glass.

History of Butterfly Wing Picture

Butterfly wing art, particularly popular during the Art Deco era, originated in Brazil and was brought to Europe and North America by tourists and artists. British companies, notably Thomas Mott and Dorothy Buckley, popularized these pieces, often depicting exotic landscapes, figures, or fairy tale scenes like The Pied Piper, using the natural shimmer and vibrant colors of Morpho butterfly wings under glass.