Artwork

A gentleman and lady rabbit walking through the snow under an umbrella

A gentleman and lady rabbit walking through the snow under an umbrella is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1890 watercolour depicts a gentleman and lady rabbit strolling through the snow under an umbrella.

About this work

This painting shows a gentleman and lady rabbit walking through the snow under an umbrella. It’s done in watercolour from 1890.

Beatrix Potter made this design to raise money for a printing machine. Her brother Bertram suggested selling her drawings. The image later appeared on a Christmas booklet cover.

Check out more of Beatrix Potter’s work at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This 1890 watercolour depicts a gentleman and lady rabbit strolling through the snow under an umbrella. Created by Beatrix Potter, it was originally designed to raise funds for a printing machine.

History & Provenance

The artwork was one of six designs sold to Hildesheimer & Faulkner for use as Christmas and New Year cards. It later appeared on the cover of a Christmas booklet, A Happy Pair, published in 1890, accompanied by verses by Frederic E. Weatherly.

Context

The sale of her designs was suggested by Beatrix Potter's brother Bertram, and marked an early step in her development as a professional illustrator.

Artist & collection

Artist

Beatrix Potter

Helen Beatrix Heelis (née Potter; 28 July 1866 – 22 December 1943), usually known as Beatrix Potter ( BEE-ə-triks), was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist.