Composition

The relevant text reads:

'I am sending plan tomorrow night to Howard of way in which I want my things grouped - but I rely on you to understand - / [sketch] /

So if I send my portrait you will put it between the Rosa Corder [sketch] [p. 3] and the Princess - leaving nice margin - and keeping all on line, more than in sketch.' 1

This sketch shows eight of the nine oils sent by Whistler to the ISSPG in 1898. Reading from left to right they are: At the Piano [YMSM 024], a small oil (possibly meant to be The Thames in Ice [YMSM 036]), Arrangement in Brown and Black: Portrait of Miss Rosa Corder [YMSM 203], Grey and Silver: La Petite Souris [YMSM 502], La Princesse du pays de la porcelaine [YMSM 050], Rose and Brown: The Philosopher [YMSM 472], Blue and Coral: The Little Blue Bonnet [YMSM 500] and Nocturne in Blue and Gold: Valparaiso Bay [YMSM 076].

Technique

It is drawn in the same pen and ink as the letter.

Conservation History

The sheet was written on three sides, the drawing being on the last, fourth side. The letter was then folded again to send to Ludovici, the fold now being slightly soiled.