Helen Beatrix Potter (1866-1943)

Building a snowman

Details

Helen Beatrix Potter (1866-1943)
Building a snowman
signed with initials 'HBP.' (lower right)
pencil and watercolour heightened with touches of white
4¾ x 3¼ in. (12 x 8.3 cm.)

Lot Essay

This watercolour was probably completed around 1892 or 1893, perhaps as a design for a Christmas card, and represents an early prototype of the development of her characters Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.
The two rabbits are likely to have been modeled on Potter's own pet rabbits, Benjamin Bouncer and Peter Piper, and they bear a distinct likeness to her eponymous heroes Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit.

FINISH NOTE

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