Butterfly on Flowering Branch with Shadows , Fine 19th Century Watercolor

A 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 three-dimensionality.  Luscious.

9 1/4" x 7 1/4" and in very good condition.