Composition

The velarium consisted of a piece of cloth hung from ten points, and the drawing gave details of hooks and eyes, and supports (strings). It was used for the first time in the exhibition of the RBA in 1886. The fullest description was given in Truth on 6 May 1886:

'A kind of awning was suspended under the skylight, in order to exclude the glare of white light, which would not have been harmonious with the scheme of colour. This drapery was made of some soft material, which matched, as nearly as possible, brown paper, and was suspended in pretty folds by means of brass hooks, hung by cords to the skylight.'

The walls of the gallery were of a sepia shade of brown, and the ceiling pale brown and gold. The scheme was flattering to the spectators but Truth did not comment on the effect it had on the pictures. The St James Gazette doubted 'whether an awning looped up with promiscuous strings is in place in this symmetrical room'.

Technique

The original pencil drawing extends below the final version, as does the top of the bottom hook. The velarium was tinted a creamy yellow, with a brownish shadow, and the butterfly, slightly orange. All the drawing was done with brush over pencil, while the hooks and strings were painted in grey/black. The paper is a heavy-weight cartridge.