Lot #2657: BEATRIX POTTER - Study of a Berry Stem - Original watercolor with pen and ink

 

Artist: Beatrix Potter (English, 1866-1943).
Title: "Study of a Berry Stem".
Medium: Original watercolor with pen and ink.
Date: Composed c1886.
Dimensions: Overall size: 9 5/16 x 5 7/8 in. (237 x 149 mm).
Lot Note(s): Signed in watercolor, lower left. Light cream wove watermarked paper. Good condition; lower margin unevenly trimmed; minor foxing verso with one pin hole through to recto; minor ink residue right center; folding and paper residue left margin; overall very good given its age, presents very well, most minor imperfections would be matted out if framed. Provenance: the Artist, gifted to Joy Brownlow, who in turn gifted it to Marjorie H. Hiley, from whom it was acquired by our consignor. Brownlow, known as ‘Brownie,’ was the County Camp Advisor for the Windermere Girl Guides, who arranged regular visits to Potter's properties in the Lake District for camping and admiring her work. Potter frequently gave the Guides autographed copies of her books to give as prizes in their competitions, and joined in their activities while on the properties. Hiley, of Kendal, South Lakeland District, Cumbria, took over from Brownlow as captain of the Guides in 1947 and remained leader until she retired 30 years later. Comment(s): Our example is similar to and compares favorably with “Study of a Pink Rose Stem,” an unsigned and undated watercolor and ink drawing, sold for $5,990 (£4,375) at Sotheby’s London, 7/12/2016, lot #238. Potter was interested in every branch of natural science save astronomy and shared a passion with most Victorians for botany. Over the years she drew and painted her specimens with increasing skill, abandoning most work in this area beginning with the publication of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” in 1902. She became internationally famous for her stories that 'humanized' animals such as Mrs. Tiggy Winkle, the hedgehog, and the garden thieving Peter Rabbit. This image is now in the public domain. [29800-1-4000]