Beatrix Potter
Helen Beatrix Potter was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist. She is best known for her children's books featuring animals, such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, which has sold more than 250 million copies. Although Peter Rabbit is most popular in the United Kingdom, it is so adorable that we wanted to feature one of Potter's illustrations during this last week of the year. :)
This drawing relates to a group of Christmas cards created by Potter in 1894, seven years before the publication of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The drawing depicts the rabbits buried in snow after their sled has upturned, the signpost far behind them, and the red blanket loosened revealing a blue coat on the bunny. The rabbit on the left wearing a blue coat resembles Peter Rabbit.
An interesting thing: Potter was also a pioneer of merchandising. In 1903, Peter Rabbit was the first fictional character to be made into a patented stuffed toy, making him the oldest licensed character. Totally understandable!
P.S. Learn how Peter Rabbit came to be (and a little more about Beatrix Potter's life). :)
P.P.S. 2022 is soon coming to an end: check out our artsy 2023 calendars, including our new, amazing 2023 Japanese Art planner!