Drawing of a swagged urn (black basalt ware) and a glass tumbler
1879
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1879
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This early drawing shows two simple objects—a vase and a glass—set against a plain background. It was made by Beatrix Potter in 1879, when she was just 13. The work is careful but not fancy, likely practice for her art classes. Potter taught herself by copying books and nature. She also studied famous landscape painters like Constable and Turner at big exhibitions. Her parents arranged formal lessons to help her improve. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum next time you're in London.
