The Painters Daughters Chasing a Butterfly

The Painters Daughters Chasing a Butterfly

Artist: Thomas Gainsborough (British, 1727 - 1788)

Original Dimensions: 44 5/8" x 41 3/8"

Location: National Gallery of Art, London

About Artwork: (Probably about 1756) "The two little girls in this unfinished portrait are Mary and Margaret, Gainsborough’s daughters by his wife, Margaret Burr, and their only children to survive infancy. Mary was baptised on 3 February 1750 and Margaret on 22 August 1751. Mary was given the name of the couple’s first daughter, who died at about 18 months old. Margaret and Mary run hand-in-hand through dark woodland in pursuit of a cabbage white butterfly, which has landed momentarily on a tall thistle. Margaret reaches out her hand, while Mary clutches her looped-up muslin apron as a net. The children’s attempt to catch the elusive butterfly may be intended to suggest the fleeting nature of childhood, and the fragility of children’s lives. The wood in Gainsborough’s picture is dark and sombre. This is probably the earliest of at least six double portraits that Gainsborough painted of his daughters between about 1756 and 1770." - (National Gallery of Art, London)

Step 1: Choose Your Painting Size (all sizes preserve artwork proportions)
Step 2: Choose Your Framing Option (comes ready to hang and includes canvas stretching, protective varnish, custom frame, finished back, and hanging hardware)
Prefer to choose framing later? 
Select "Painting Only" in Step 2. You can add framing after your painting is completed and approved.
Adding framing now?
View frame options at the bottom of this page and select your frame group in Step 2. You can specify the exact frame style once your painting is completed and approved.
Estimated painting completion:  4-6 weeks after you place your order.
$1,496.00
$2,493.00 $1,496.00

From artist to collector, one of a hundred.

Alexis Trembley

We're Here to Help.

Answers to common questions about our limited editions.

Each artwork is printed on demand in a maximum print total of 100 numbered prints. Once the edition is sold out, it will never be reprinted.

Yes. Every print is hand-numbered to mark its place in the edition. Some artists also include a signature, depending on their process.

All frames are custom-built to order using carefully selected materials. They’re designed to complement the artwork and ensure lasting quality.

A portion of every sale goes directly to the featured artist. By collecting their work, you’re helping them continue their creative practice and ensuring their art reaches new audiences.