“Graldora Isiabel”
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Great draftsmen of the past like Albrecht Dürer and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres used precise linework to create impeccable works of art. French artist Steeven Salvat is continuing this age-old practice with his pen and ink illustrations of fantastic hybrid lifeforms.
His newest series, entitled Nymphalidae, draws inspiration from antique skeleton keys, stained glass windows, and butterfly wings. Salvat uses his expertise to combine all of these different elements into something entirely new and fascinating. “The paintings are based on real species of butterflies, made in a way to echoes [sic] the elaborate entomological studies done by naturalists in the past,” Salvat explains in his artist statement.
Each piece is made with Rotring pens and a delicate watercolor palette. Salvat even stains the watercolor paper with black tea to replicate the colors of vintage artwork. “[All of the illustrations] include official-looking, hand-drawn nameplates describing the fanciful and fictitious scientific names of these hybridized and reimagined organisms,” he adds.
His newest show Nymphalidae is currently on display at the Haven Gallery in Northport, New York through September 12, 2021. You can see more amazing drawings by following Salvat on Instagram.
French artist Steeven Salvat creates incredibly detailed drawings in pen and ink.
“Euthaia Shanevim”
His newest series of illustrations, called Nymphalidae, combines butterflies, stained glass windows, and ornate keys into unique, hybrid lifeforms.
“Vanelea Carlisis”
“Saturnis Majora”
“Hyaphirus Celia”
Steeven Salvat: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Steeven Salvat.
Related Articles:
This Artist Creates Larger-Than-Life Flower Drawings With Colored Pencils
Expressive Figurative Drawings Capture Meticulous Details of the Human Body
Realistic Ballpoint Pen Drawings Capture Every Detail Down to the Twinkle in People’s Eyes