Artwork
Margaret Gainsborough, copied from Thomas Gainsborough's portrait of his two daughters, Mary and Margaret (ca.1758) in the Victoria and Albert Museum
Margaret Gainsborough, copied from Thomas Gainsborough's portrait of his two daughters, Mary and Margaret (ca.1758) in the Victoria and Albert Museum is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
She copied a portrait by Thomas Gainsborough of his two daughters, Mary and Margaret, from about 1758.
Beatrix Potter painted this watercolour around 1895. She copied a portrait by Thomas Gainsborough of his two daughters, Mary and Margaret, from about 1758. The painting now lives at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Potter studied and copied artworks at the V&A often. She used what she learned to write and illustrate books like *The Tale of Peter Rabbit*. Her copies helped her understand old art techniques.
Look up the artist Beatrix Potter next.
Overview
This watercolour, created around 1895, is a copy by Beatrix Potter of a portrait of Margaret Gainsborough from Thomas Gainsborough's painting of his two daughters, Mary and Margaret.
Subject & Meaning
The original painting, dated to around 1758, depicts Margaret and her sister Mary. Potter's copy includes a faint pencil outline of Mary's arm, indicating her study of the original composition.
Technique & Style
Potter's watercolour demonstrates her skill in reproducing the original portrait. Her practice of copying artworks at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where the original is housed, helped her develop an understanding of traditional art techniques.
History & Provenance
The original painting was bequeathed to the Victoria and Albert Museum by John Forster in 1876. Potter likely studied it there, as she frequently visited the museum to copy artworks.
Context
Potter's copies of artworks, including this one, influenced her own writing and illustrating style, as seen in her popular children's books, such as 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'.
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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Mary Gainsborough, copied from Thomas Gainsborough's portrait of his two daughters, Mary and Margaret (ca.1758) in the Victoria and Albert Museum