Artwork
Autumn
Autumn is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Autumn is a watercolour painting created by Beatrix Potter in 1880, depicting a cluster of autumn leaves in soft, muted hues.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a simple arrangement of autumn leaves in varying shades of green, red, brown, and yellow, set against a plain brown-mauve background, with the foliage concentrated on the right side and subtle shadows cast.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour over pencil, the work is characterized by loose brushstrokes and a focus on capturing the natural, uneven texture of the leaves, with colours that remain light and translucent.
History & Provenance
The painting was donated to the National Book League (now Book Trust) by Leslie Linder in 1970 as part of the Linder Collection, which was later on long-term loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum from 1989 to 2019.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
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