An Original Illustration
Squintina Tabby Licenced Dealer in Tea An Original Illustration
1895.
145x190mm. Original grisaille pen and wash, heightened with white watercolour on paper. Signed HBP to the lower right corner. Fine condition, with just a few light marks to the unpainted margin.
A fine, unusually large and detailed watercolour, depicting Squintina Tabby, knitting at the entrance to her tea room, looking severely at a couple of frolicsome young kittens peering in at the window.
The drawing is based upon a photographic postcard of a teashop in Whitby and the titular cat possibly modelled on one owned by Potter's uncle and aunt who they called Squintina. Potter's proficient use of greyscale and highlight brings a sense of reality and palpable humour to the piece.
A simplified engraving of this piece was reproduced in the 1896 Nister annual, Comical Customers.
PROVENANCE: Bertram Potter (1872-1818) Beatrix's brother; Family descent, sold at auction in 2008; Private collection.
Stock ID: 46502
£40,000.00
