“Bierstadt’s guests were often favored with delightful souvenirs from his hand. In Nassau these were little seashells with a few strokes of paint inside; in New York they were the famous ‘Bierstadt butterflies.’ His technique in charming the ladies with little Bierstadts of their own was described in 1892 by the lady reporter who had been titillated by the artist’s New York ‘afternoon’:
‘We women were so glad we were women that afternoon, for Mr. Bierstadt presented each lady with a souvenir. This is how he made them. We all clustered about the table and he took out a palette, a knife and some large slips of cartridge paper. Two or three daubs of pigment on the paper, a quick fold, and holding it still folded against a pane of glass, he made two or three strokes of that wizard-like palette knife on the outside, and hey, presto! a wonderful Brazilian butterfly or moth, even the veining on the wings complete! A pencil touch added the antennae, that artist’s autograph was added to the corner, and now we each of us own a painting by Bierstadt'” (Gordon Hendricks, Albert Bierstadt: Painter of the American West, 1974, p. 302-303).
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~Sunnyside
At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet 
What a surprise to learn that in addition to Bierstadt’s grand landscapes he made these miniatures—and to learn how he made them.
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He must have been quite a charming fellow…lol…🙂
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That was fascinating.
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Thanks for visiting, Dawn. 🙂
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Good morning, Sunnyside!!!☀️ What a talented charmer this man must have been. His paintings are gorgeous! Thank you and have a good day!😊
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Good morning, Susan! A charmer, indeed…lol Have a wonderful day🙂
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Love the pulsating effect.
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So do I , Rosaliene.🙂
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Beautiful work.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
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Much enjoyed these, thanks for sharing. Seems to be so many layers to his life, including work at his older brother Charles’ photography studio in New Bedford around the time of the Civil War.
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I’m so pleased you enjoyed this one, John. I did not know he had a brother, but I am looking forward to learning more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
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Must have been wonderful to have been a guest at one of these gatherings.
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I agree! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, David/ 🙂
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These are gorgeous! What a great idea as gifts for guests made one the spot! Love it.
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He must have been a real charmer! 🙂
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I can imagine!
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