British author and illustrator (1866–1943) whose Edwardian-era tales of naughty rabbits, ‘bad’ mice, and other amusingly mischievous animals take a place among the most enduring and beloved works in the annals of children’s literature. Her first and best-known book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, has sold more than 40 million copies since it was first published in 1902. Absolutely fantastic original watercolor mixed-media ink and watercolor drawing of Peter Rabbit running for his life (presumably from Mr. McGregor!) on an off-white 3.25 x 5.5 sheet. Captioned underneath by Potter, “’After losing his shoes, Peter ran on all four legs and went faster—’ Beatrix Potter, Aug. 1927.” She also adds under her signature, “(This design appeared in the first edition of Peter Rabbit).” Double matted and framed to an overall size of 7.25 x 10. In fine condition, with a hint of mild toning at the edges, not at all detracting from this wonderful piece.
This delightful Peter Rabbit image was created in 1927 and sold at a Boston bookshop to raise money for the National Trust. It appears only in the first two privately printed editions of Peter Rabbit, and not in the regular trade edition published in 1902 (which canceled four images and had all the remaining ones redone in color). In the published book the text reads, ‘After losing them, he ran on four legs and went faster’—though Potter substituted “his shoes" for clarity in this exemplar. Potter prepared only 50 drawings for charity sale in 1927, drawing each of the original 42 Peter Rabbit images and then adding 8 drawings from The Tailor of Gloucester. An incredibly scarce one-of-a-kind sketch from one of the most beloved of all children’s tales! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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