Metamorphosis of the Butterfly
Metamorphosis of the Butterfly contributes to the sustainable and cultural missions of the U.S. Embassy in The Hague with Jongstra’s signature natural fibres and plant-based colours. Drenthe Heath sheep’s wool and historic pigments – particularly madder (Rubia tinctoria) – draw material connections to centuries of Dutch ecological and cultural heritage. A treasure of the Golden Age, the deep red pigment of madder root was used by Dutch Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, often collected from the exhausted vats of local textile dyers. Claudy Jongstra preserves and extends the use of these culturally significant, ancient materials and methods into contemporary spaces in her artworks.
Metamorphosis is the central theme of this artwork, with a composition that extends across the wall like a colourful butterfly wing. The transformation of the butterfly as it breaks free from its chrysalis to reveal its multicoloured wings, is akin to the transformation of leaves, flowers, roots, and barks into brilliant natural colours.
Location: U.S. Embassy, The Hague, The Netherlands
Architect: Moore Ruble Yudell
Year: 2018
Dimensions: 2,3 x 11,8 m
Materials: Drenthe Heath wool, Merino wool, mohair, linen, silk, handspun yarn embroidery
Plant-Based Colours: Indigo, madder root, cochineal, onion skin
Photography: Jeroen Musch
Commissioned by: Art in Embassies, U.S. Department of State, Permanent Collection
Curated by: Virginia Shore and Sarah Tanguy
