Artwork
Magnified studies of a beetle (the ground beetle Notiophilus biguttatus?)
Magnified studies of a beetle (the ground beetle Notiophilus biguttatus?) is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 4 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour study showcases Beatrix Potter's meticulous observation of natural history, focusing on a beetle specimen, potentially the ground beetle Notiophilus biguttatus.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a beetle, possibly Notiophilus biguttatus, depicted in two scales: a full-body pencil sketch and a highly magnified watercolour and pen and ink study of its head, highlighting Potter's scientific curiosity.
Technique & Style
The work combines media: a pencil study for the whole insect and detailed watercolour with pen and ink for the magnified head, demonstrating Potter's quasi-scientific approach to natural history illustration.
History & Provenance
Created during Beatrix Potter's period of intense natural history study (pre-1902, given her later literary focus), this piece reflects her pre-authorship interests and methods.
Context
Reflects Potter's habit of studying specimens from her collection and the Natural History Museum, using magnification tools for detailed observations, characteristic of her early scientific inclinations.
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.
Magnified studies of a ground beetle
Magnified studies thought to show water-fleas and a midge lava
Studies of damselflies
Study of a yellowish-brown spider
Studies of caterpillars and study of a magnified fly's foot
Study of a light grey spider
Study of a grey-brown spider (Linyphia triangularis)
Five beetles
Bracket fungus; a section of oak tree polypore