"Veins of the Earth" 8x8" Framed Butterfly by Chris Lee

With Veins of the Earth, Chris Lee presents a ghostlike marvel — the Cyrestis thyodamas, or Common Map butterfly — whose delicate beauty lies in its mimicry of cartographic lines and natural architecture. The specimen’s translucent cream wings are traced with fine brown lines that echo rivers, ridges, and root systems — as if nature herself had drawn a map across its surface.

Mounted against a deep black backdrop, the butterfly's paper-thin appearance becomes even more spectral, its fine structure lit like parchment under glass. The symmetrical display and high contrast underscore the artistry of nature’s geometry — both fragile and precise. This piece asks the viewer to look closer, to trace the veins and discover how form, function, and illusion merge.

Butterfly Identification:
Species: Cyrestis thyodamas (Common Map)
Range: Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia, including Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, and southern China
Traits: Pale, nearly transparent wings with vein-like brown markings; slow, floating flight; prefers shady forest paths

Framing Details:
Outer Frame: Matte black shadowbox with a minimalist profile
Inner Mat: White mat surrounding the artwork for added contrast and visual balance
Background: Solid black board to highlight the wing transparency and linework
Front Panel: Clear glass, consistent with Lee’s archival presentation standards
Presentation: Centered dorsal display, maximizing symmetry and emphasizing the “drawn” look of the wings