Artwork
Four rabbits in the snow
Four rabbits in the snow is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Four rabbits in the snow is a watercolour painting by Beatrix Potter, created around the 1890s. It depicts a winter scene featuring rabbits.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows multiple rabbits in a snowy setting, a subject Potter revisited in her later, more famous works. The scene is characteristic of her 'imaginary drawings,' which often featured animals in natural environments.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the work reflects Potter's skill with the medium and her adherence to styles such as Impressionism and Realism, evident in her accurate depictions of animal anatomy.
History & Provenance
Potter created this painting years before her renowned Peter Rabbit books. It is linked to her early attempts to sell her artwork, including to the printer Hildesheimer & Faulkner for use as Christmas cards.
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.
Design for a christmas card
Two rabbits in hats and coats with walking sticks walking through snow
The White Rabbit running along a long panelled corridor
Rabbits falling into snow
Four rabbits in a burrow
Lady rabbit and gentleman rabbit passing on the street
Studies of a rabbit and a cat
Study for the frontispiece of Kitty-in-Boots