Artwork
Leg of a clothesmoth, leg of a gnat, leg of a fly
Leg of a clothesmoth, leg of a gnat, leg of a fly is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Beatrix Potter. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1886 watercolour drawing by Beatrix Potter features three magnified insect legs arranged diagonally on the sheet. Created with watercolour, pen-and-ink, and pencil, it showcases the artist's attention to detail.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a clothesmoth's leg, a gnat's leg, and a fly's leg, each labelled in handwritten notes. The level of detail, including individual hairs, suggests a scientific or observational purpose.
Technique & Style
The artist employed delicate pencil strokes and soft watercolour washes to render the insect legs against a plain background, emphasizing simplicity and accuracy over aesthetic appeal.
History & Provenance
The drawing was part of the Linder Collection, donated to the National Book League in 1970 and later on long-term loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum from 1989 to 2019.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Helen Beatrix Heelis (née Potter; 28 July 1866 – 22 December 1943), usually known as Beatrix Potter ( BEE-ə-triks), was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist.
- Studies of damselflies
Studies of caterpillars and study of a magnified fly's foot
Phytographia Curiosa: Apocynum Virginianum
Magnified studies thought to show water-fleas and a midge lava
A collection of weapons
Magnified studies of a ground beetle
Lactuca Perennis
Hieracium Cymosum
Carduus Lanceolatus
Acorus calamus (almindelig kalmus)
a Stachis grandiflora; b Nicotiana rustica
a Tragopogon porrifolius; b Muscari racemosum; c Thujopsis dolabrata