Animals Are Us: Anthropomorphism in Children’s Literature; Celebrating the Peter J. Solomon Collection
Why do we tell stories to children through and about animals? Are there reasons why we shouldn’t? Animals Are Us invites explores these questions and more through influential historic examples of anthropomorphism in dialogue with contemporary books drawn from the collection of Peter J. Solomon (Harvard College Class of 1960, MBA 1963) and the holdings of Houghton Library. The exhibition invites you to engage critically with animal anthropomorphism, and delight in the artfulness of this enduring literary genre. Catalog of an exhibition on view at Houghton Library, Harvard University, September 1, 2021 - January 7, 2022.
Why do we tell stories to children through and about animals? Are there reasons why we shouldn’t? Animals Are Us invites explores these questions and more through influential historic examples of anthropomorphism in dialogue with contemporary books drawn from the collection of Peter J. Solomon (Harvard College Class of 1960, MBA 1963) and the holdings of Houghton Library. The exhibition invites you to engage critically with animal anthropomorphism, and delight in the artfulness of this enduring literary genre.
Catalog of an exhibition on view at Houghton Library, Harvard University, September 1, 2021 - January 7, 2022.
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57<br />
Beatrix Potter (British, 1866–1943, author-illustrator)<br />
F<strong>in</strong>al study for The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit, ca. 1906<br />
Ink and watercolor on paper, 11 x 9 cm; 11 x 268 cm (open)<br />
Houghton Library, TypDr 905.P708.06f<br />
Gift of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Peter</strong> and Susan <strong>Solomon</strong> Family Foundation, 2020<br />
Hav<strong>in</strong>g successfully published seven books <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> format of <strong>the</strong><br />
orig<strong>in</strong>al <strong>Peter</strong>, Potter wanted to explore a new design. She turned<br />
to <strong>the</strong> accordion format for The Fierce Bad Rabbit, produc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>al watercolor washes that determ<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ted version.<br />
Potter created two o<strong>the</strong>r accordion books that year, and none<br />
succeeded commercially; booksellers, and perhaps children, found<br />
<strong>the</strong>m too awkward to handle.<br />
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