Artwork

Still life study of sea shells, an antler and a Japanese drawing manual

Still life study of sea shells, an antler and a Japanese drawing manual is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Beatrix Potter made this still life around 1880. She used watercolour and studied shells, an antler, and a Japanese drawing manual. It’s a student piece, not a finished work.

Potter copied from nature and books early on. She called her neglected education a good thing. She still got an “Excellent” in her art exam.

Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This watercolour still life, created around 1880, is a student work by Beatrix Potter, featuring a collection of objects including sea shells, an antler, and a Japanese drawing manual.

Technique & Style

The painting demonstrates Potter's proficiency in watercolour, a skill she developed through formal training at the National Art Training School and self-directed study. The work's formal tone and attention to detail reflect the instructional emphasis of her art education.

History & Provenance

Potter produced this still life during her time as a student, between 1878 and 1883, when she was enrolled in the National Art Training School in South Kensington. She achieved an 'Excellent' grade in her Second Grade Art Student Certificate examinations.

Context

As a young woman of her social class, Potter was expected to be skilled in the 'genteel arts', including painting and drawing. Her formal art training was supplemented by self-directed study, including copying from nature and books, and observing the works of artists such as Constable, Gainsborough, and Turner.

Artist & collection

Artist

Beatrix Potter

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.