Composition

Study for the Head of Carlyle, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 2: Portrait of Thomas Carlyle, Glasgow Museums

It is a study of the head of Thomas Carlyle, similar to his pose in Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 2: Portrait of Thomas Carlyle [YMSM 137].

Technique

Study for the Head of Carlyle, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Technically it resembles Whistler's sketch for the head of Cicely Alexander (Study for the Head of Miss Cicely H. Alexander [YMSM 128]) very closely indeed. The two were being painted at the same time. It is painted boldly, with clearly distinct brushstrokes, mostly applied quite thinly, with areas of canvas showing.

Conservation History

Unknown.

Frame

78.8 x 63.8 cm (31 1/16 x 25 2/16").