Lot 188
  • 188

# - Potter, Beatrix.

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • Peter Rabbit's Dream
220 by 164mm., fine ink drawing, signed and dated "Beatrix Potter | 1899", tipped-in onto card, some browning and minor spotting

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This fine ink drawing shows Peter Rabbit surrounded by a border of seventeen resting rabbits. He is asleep in the fourth bedroom (Beatrix Potter's own room) at Camfield Place, home of her maternal grandparents.

This design is also known in four other versions: one in the Linder Collection shows thirteen resting rabbits and is undated; one in the Linder Bequest shows eighteen resting rabbits and is undated; one in the Bacon Memorial Library is inscribed 'Peter's dream of a comfortable bed' and is dated 1899; and one is in a private collection dated 1895.

The version in the Linder Bequest was reproduced in the Linders' The Art of Beatrix Potter (Warne, 1972), p.188 and Hobbs, Beatrix Potter - Artist and Illustrator (V&A / Warne, 1985), p.82.

The drawing offered here is entirely unknown to beatrix potter scholarship and represents one of the few images of the artist's most famous character to pre-date publication of the tale of peter rabbit.