Artwork
Study of rowing boats on a beach, with river beyond
Study of rowing boats on a beach, with river beyond is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 1901 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour depicts rowing boats on a beach with a river in the background.
About this work
Beatrix Potter is best known for children's books, but she also painted watercolors of real landscapes.
Beatrix Potter is best known for children's books, but she also painted watercolors of real landscapes. This one shows rowing boats on a beach with a river behind.
She visited Teignmouth in Devon a few times between 1892 and 1910. Her journal mentions the town’s muddy estuary and an old writer, Fanny Burney.
These bold coastal scenes show a different side of Potter’s art.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This watercolour depicts rowing boats on a beach with a river in the background. Beatrix Potter, renowned for her children's literature, created the work during one of her visits to Teignmouth in Devon.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures the estuary at Teignmouth, a location that drew Potter's interest due to its historical associations, including its connection to writer Fanny Burney.
History & Provenance
Potter visited Teignmouth multiple times between 1892 and 1910, recording her observations in her journal and through artworks like this watercolour.
Context
Although Potter is best known for illustrating children's books, her artistic output also included landscapes and coastal scenes, showcasing a different aspect of her talent.
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.
