Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967), Butterflies in September, 1966; watercolor on paper, 31 x 33 inches; from the collection of the Burchfield family
Charles Burchfield, Journals, November 28, 1915
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013
The yellow butterfly which I warmed by breathing on it—Coming home—an Elysian remote feeling—High wind in trees—On the way I dream of my opera "Hiawatha," hearing the music & seeing it staged in my mind. It ceased or rather ended with the hearing of the "Telegraph harp." The tones were wonderfully clear and mingled in stirring harmonies—I conceived a piece of music based on it.
Charles Burchfield, November 28, 1915