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Richard Smith — Butterfly Suite
Richard Smith

Butterfly Suite

Richard Smith's "Butterfly Suite" consists of eight preparatory maquettes executed in graphite and colored pencil that served as studies for a corresponding suite of etchings created in 1972. Each sheet measures approximately 470 by 560 millimeters and is rendered on wove paper, demonstrating the artist's working process from initial conception to final printed form. The maquettes represent Smith's engagement with natural imagery and his exploration of color and composition within the graphic medium.

Medium
The complete set of eight maquettes in graphite and coloured pencil for the suite of etchings of the same title, 1972, on wove paper, each sheet 470 x 560mm (18 1/2 x 22in) and similar (8) (unframed), Condition, Related Lots, BACK TO AUCTION CATALOGUE, Grayson Perry (b.1960) Plate 2, from Six Snapshots of Julie (colour), Estimate: £1,200 - 1,800, Andy Warhol (1928-1987) Santa Claus (Feldman & Schellmann II.266), Estimate: £15,000 - 20,000, Grayson Perry (b.1960)  Plate 1, from Six Snapshots of J
Spotted At
Auction House · Forum Auctions

🔨 Auction Lot

Prints & Works on Paper 1500-2026

March 31, 2026

Lot 185

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About this work

Richard Smith, Butterfly Suite

Richard Smith's "Butterfly Suite" consists of eight preparatory maquettes executed in graphite and colored pencil that served as studies for a corresponding suite of etchings created in 1972. Each sheet measures approximately 470 by 560 millimeters and is rendered on wove paper, demonstrating the artist's working process from initial conception to final printed form. The maquettes represent Smith's engagement with natural imagery and his exploration of color and composition within the graphic medium.

Medium
The complete set of eight maquettes in graphite and coloured pencil for the suite of etchings of the same title, 1972, on wove paper, each sheet 470 x 560mm (18 1/2 x 22in) and similar (8) (unframed), Condition, Related Lots, BACK TO AUCTION CATALOGUE, Grayson Perry (b.1960) Plate 2, from Six Snapshots of Julie (colour), Estimate: £1,200 - 1,800, Andy Warhol (1928-1987) Santa Claus (Feldman & Schellmann II.266), Estimate: £15,000 - 20,000, Grayson Perry (b.1960)  Plate 1, from Six Snapshots of J
Seen at
Forum Auctions, London, UK

Related themes

20th Century, Vibrant, Butterflies, Mixed Media, British Artist, Nature Inspired, Collage, Pop Art, Decorative, Abstract

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