A fine original pen and ink drawing depicting Benjamin Bunny, Mr. Tod, Jemima Puddle-Duck and a Young Mouse
n.p.: , 1912. Item #06135
A Superb Original Beatrix Potter Pen-and-Ink Drawing
Signed and Dated 4 December 1912, Depicting Benjamin Bunny,
Mr. Tod, Jemima Puddle-Duck and a Young Mouse
POTTER, Beatrix. An original signed pen-and-ink drawing depicting Benjamin Bunny, Mr. Tod, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and a young mouse. Signed and dated by the artist: "Beatrix Potter Dec. 4th 1912."
Original drawing measuring 3 7/8 x 5 3/8 inches (99 x 137 mm.), attractively matted, framed and glazed. Overall framed dimensions 15 1/2 x 16 1/2 inches (393 x 420 mm.).
A delightful and highly evocative original drawing executed at the height of Beatrix Potter's artistic maturity. Rendered with remarkable economy of line and complete confidence of execution, the composition brings together four of the author's best-loved animal characters in a spontaneous yet beautifully balanced arrangement.
Benjamin Bunny dominates the composition, standing confidently in his familiar little jacket, one paw raised in greeting while carrying a slender switch. Behind him appears the unmistakable figure of Mr. Tod, lightly sketched with Potter's characteristic ability to suggest personality through only a few deft strokes. To the right stands Jemima Puddle-Duck, instantly recognizable from her gently rounded form and delicately observed posture, while in the foreground a small mouse watches attentively, adding both scale and quiet humor to the scene.
Although executed with remarkable simplicity, the drawing reveals Potter's extraordinary command of line. Every stroke appears effortless, yet each contributes to the distinct individuality of the characters. The composition possesses precisely the freshness and immediacy that distinguish Potter's finest informal presentation drawings, where a few economical lines convey movement, expression, and narrative with remarkable assurance. The beautifully placed signature and date balance the composition while emphasizing the drawing's intimate and personal character.
The date is particularly significant. December 1912 came immediately after the publication of The Tale of Mr. Tod, issued in October of that year, making the inclusion of Mr. Tod especially timely. Potter herself acknowledged receiving finished copies from her publisher in early October, while her correspondence reveals the considerable satisfaction she derived from the completed work. The hills surrounding Near Sawrey provided the setting for the story, and Mr. Tod was among the most sophisticated animal personalities she ever created. The appearance here of Benjamin Bunny together with Mr. Tod forms a direct artistic link to one of Potter's most accomplished books.
By 1912 Potter's artistic style had reached complete maturity. Having already published the great majority of her classic tales, she possessed an unrivaled confidence of observation, reducing each animal to a handful of perfectly judged lines while preserving all the charm and individuality for which her illustrations are celebrated.
Original drawings from this period, particularly those depicting several of her most beloved characters together, are of the greatest rarity and represent the closest possible connection with the creative imagination that produced the Peter Rabbit books.
A charming, beautifully composed, and exceptionally desirable original drawing by one of the most influential illustrators in the history of children's literature.
Price: $35,000.00