Explore the Two White Butterflies about the Paintings made in Arles of this artwork.
Fascinated by butterflies at a young age, Vincent Dethier became an entomologist.  In tribute to him on his seventieth birthday, Miriam Rothschild expressed her appreciation metaphorically through Van Gogh's painting:  "Two white butterflies twirling in freedom and winged delight.  For me they are the symbol of daydreaming — the poetry that Vince Dethier insinuates so cunningly into our factual information and knowledge.  For the gift, of these special white butterflies — along with all your official and unofficial students, past, present and future — Vince Dethier, I tender you my most heartfelt and grateful thanks."Another interpretation of Two White Butterflies describes fragile white butterflies that fly over a field of turning grass, evoking a sense of foreboding.
Vincent Dethier Butterflies entomologist Miriam Rothschild butterflies