Artwork
Study of a lizard
Study of a lizard 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
Potter kept lizards as pets and later wrote in her journal about one named Judy who died that April.
Beatrix Potter painted a careful watercolor study of a lizard in February 1884. It’s a small, precise work, not a finished picture but a close look at an animal. Potter kept lizards as pets and later wrote in her journal about one named Judy who died that April.
The sheet shows Potter’s skill in recording details. It fits two styles, Impressionism and Realism, both popular in her time.
See more Beatrix Potter at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This watercolour study, created by Beatrix Potter in February 1884, is a detailed, small-scale depiction of a lizard, likely one she kept as a pet. The work is characterized by its precision and observational focus, rather than being a polished, finished piece.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is believed to be Judy, a pet lizard mentioned in Potter's journal, which died in April of the same year. The study reflects Potter's practice of closely observing and recording animals she kept as pets.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the piece showcases Potter's skill in meticulous detail rendering. Its style aligns with both Impressionist and Realist tendencies prevalent during her time, emphasizing observation and accuracy.
History & Provenance
Created in 1884, this study predates Potter's renowned children's books, including 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' (1902). The work is now part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
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.
