# - Potter, Beatrix.

105 by 147mm., pencil and grisaille drawing heightened with gouache, unsigned, mounted, minor tears and some loss to extremities not affecting image

Some spotting is present, not affecting image. The edges include numerous small closed tears that do not affect the image. There is some loss to one margin (as illustrated in the published catalogue) which does not affect the image. It does cause some small loss to Potter's code writing on the reverse. The image as published in the catalogue is too green.
"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."

A fully-finished illustration, entitled "Dinner in Mouseland" is reproduced in the Linders' The Art of Beatrix Potter (London, 1972), p. 200 and Taylor, Whalley, Hobbs and Battrick, Beatrix Potter 1866-1943 - The Artist and Her World (London, 1987), p.85. The original is now owned by The National Trust. A further example is in a private collection. The pencil and grisaille drawing offered here is in a rougher state.

Hobbs, in her essay 'Art into Books' (Beatrix Potter: Sources of her Inspiration [Beatrix Potter Studies XII] (Beatrix Potter Society, 2007)), notes that the scene 'not only incorporates one of Beatrix's favourite daisy paintings, but also anticipates a scene from The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse'.

The reverse of this leaf reveals five short lines written in Beatrix Potter's code writing (affected by loss at one corner) there is also an additional drawing in watercolour and gouache of a fawn, 40 by 50mm.