Artwork
Five beetles
Five beetles is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour sheet features studies of five different beetles, created by Beatrix Potter, a renowned children's author and illustrator known for her natural history observations.
Subject & Meaning
The beetles depicted have been identified as specific species, showcasing Potter's attention to detail and interest in entomology, reflecting her broader fascination with the natural world.
Technique & Style
The work demonstrates Potter's skill in watercolour and her ability to capture the intricate details of her subjects, likely aided by her use of a magnifying glass and microscope.
History & Provenance
The sheet is dated to either 1884 or 1886, corresponding to Potter's visits to Gorse Hall in Cheshire, her grandparents' home, and is executed on letter paper headed 'Gorse Hall'.
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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