Violet and Silver: The Great Sea dates from the early 1880s, probably from Whistler's trip to Cornwall in 1884.

Violet and Silver: The Great Sea, Freer Gallery of Art

It was first exhibited in 'Notes' - 'Harmonies' - 'Nocturnes', Messrs Dowdeswell, London, 1884 (cat. no. 33). 1 The signature, however, appears to da)te from much later, possibly after 1900.