Butterfly Box

Details

JOSEPH CORNELL (1903-1972)
Butterfly Box
wood box construction--butterflies, moths, pins and cork
height: 11 5/8 in. (30.1 cm.)
width: 8 5/8 in. (21.7cm.)
depth: 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.)
Executed circa 1946-1950

Provenance

Acquired from the artist.
Dr. Frank A. Hale, New York.
Gift from the above to the present owner.

Special notice

Notice Regarding the Sale of Ivory and Tortoiseshell Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing ivory or tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

Dr. Frank Hale, the original owner of Butterfly Box, adored the work of Joseph Cornell. On a visit to the artist's studio Hale admired this box as Cornell was creating it. Noting Hale's enthusiasm, Cornell asked Hale to choose two of the butterflies to use in the box. Dr. Hale choose two of the butterflies that are included, the yellow and orange winged one and the blue and black one.

Butterfly Box

Lot Essay

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