MINNIE ROSA BEBB-WATERCOLOUR-CATS

MINNIE ROSA BEBB ARWA
1857 – 1938

Three kittens drinking from a bowl

Circa 1909
Watercolour
Frame size: 14½ x 28 inches / 36.8 x 71.1 cm
Stock Number: mrscvg170/aut10
Price: £4250

Minnie Rosa Bebb was born on 3rd January 1857 in Stratford-on Avon, daughter of the artist James Bebb. She studied at Bath and Tiverton Schools of Art. Bebb painted in both oil and watercolour. She became popular for her meticulously painted works sentimentally portraying the Victorian ideal of the domesticated animal or pet (particularly cats and small dogs), though her landscape works of romantically idealised buccolic scenes where also popular. Queen Victoria bought several of her works for her private rooms both at Osborne House and Balmoral and her popularity spread to the United States.

Bebb also had a good commercial sense and was a pioneer in the production of early novelty Art cards or postcards, again usually her favourite cats. As with her paintings, these cards are today much sought after. She worked solidly throughout her life and continued to exhibit until her death in London in 1938 at the age of 80. Principal works include Canny Scots, Monarch of all he surveys, Pointed Rebuffs and Onlookers see most of the game. Elected A.R.W.A. 1913.