Artwork
Waterlilies
Waterlilies is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created in 1906, this watercolor presents an intimate view of water lilies floating on a lake surface.
About this work
It shows a close-up of water lilies, likely at Esthwaite Water in the Lake District.
Beatrix Potter painted *Waterlilies* in 1906 using watercolour. It shows a close-up of water lilies, likely at Esthwaite Water in the Lake District. The flowers and lily pads are lit by bright sunlight.
Potter used this scene as inspiration for *The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher*, her book published the same year. Esthwaite Water is now a protected wildlife site.
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Overview
Created in 1906, this watercolor presents an intimate view of water lilies floating on a lake surface. The composition captures the delicate blossoms and their pads bathed in bright, direct sunlight, emphasizing the translucency of the water and the subtle play of light.
Subject & Meaning
The scene is identified as Esthwaite Water, a small lake in the southern Lake District near Sawrey. The tranquil setting later served as the visual basis for Beatrix Potter’s children’s story, The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, linking the natural observation to her literary work.
Technique & Style
Executed in transparent watercolor, Potter employs fine washes to render the luminous quality of the water and the soft edges of the lily petals. Her handling of light and shadow demonstrates a careful observation of natural detail, characteristic of her early artistic practice.
History & Provenance
The work entered the collection through Leslie Linder, a former owner who recognized the locale depicted. It remains part of the museum’s holdings, offering insight into Potter’s dual role as illustrator and naturalist.
Context
Esthwaite Water is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, reflecting its ecological importance. Potter’s depiction contributes to the cultural memory of the lake, preserving its appearance at the time she translated the scene into a beloved narrative for children.
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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.
