Artwork
Study of mushrooms
Study of mushrooms 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
This watercolour study of mushrooms is a characteristic example of Beatrix Potter's scientific artwork, showcasing her attention to detail and use of colour.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a species of fungi, Amanita asper, rendered in watercolour with opaque white highlights. Potter's mycological studies demonstrate her interest in the natural world and her commitment to accurate representation.
Technique & Style
Potter employed watercolour to capture the subtle textures and tones of the fungi, using opaque white to convey the highlights and speckles on the mushrooms' surfaces.
History & Provenance
The study is undated but is believed to have been created between 1887 and 1901, a period during which Potter was actively producing mycological drawings. It is part of the Linder Bequest at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
Potter's scientific work on fungi was not limited to illustration; she also researched the subject, presenting a paper on the germination of Agaricineae spores to the Linnean Society in London.
Own this work as a print
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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Mushrooms
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Fly-agarics. Study
Narcissus pseudonarcissus moschatus (moskus-narcis); Narcissus ×medioluteus (toblomstret narcis); Narcissus pseudonarcissus major (stor påskelilje)
Narcissus jonquilla (siv-narcis); Narcissus tazetta (tazet); Narcissus pseudonarcissus moschatus (moskus-narcis); Narcissus poeticus (pinselilje)