Provenance

• 1903: in Whistler's studio at his death and bequeathed to his ward and executrix, Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958);
• 1958: bequeathed by Miss R. Birnie Philip to the University of Glasgow.

There is some confusion over the history of this painting and Rose et or: La Tulipe [YMSM 418], caused by the variation in titles used by Whistler and others.

Exhibitions

• 1903: 13th Exhibition, Royal Society of Portrait Painters, London, 1903 (cat. no. 4) as 'Rouge et Noir – L'Eventail (unfinished)'.

From 1891 on, Whistler's friends and art dealers had tried to persuade him to exhibit his portraits of Ethel Philip (Mrs Whibley). In May 1891, Théodore Duret (1838-1927) was disappointed not to see 'un des portraits de votre belle soeur' at the 1st Exhibition, Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. 1

In November 1894 Arthur Jerome Eddy (1859-1920) also hoped Whistler would send 'the magnificent portraits of Miss Phillip' to America:

'If Miss Phillip has any objection to sending them to America, believing that this country is decidedly [aesthetically?] immature, simply call her attention to the theatrical practice of trying a new play upon a dog, the dog being some provincial town supposed to be without taste or discrimination in theatrical matters.' 2

In 1898, Francis Howard (1874-1954) wanted 'the portrait of your Sister-in-law' (it is not clear which one) for the ISSPG. 3

However, it was not exhibited until shortly after Whistler's death, at the 13th Exhibition, Royal Society of Portrait Painters, London, 1903 (cat. no. 4) as 'Rouge et Noir – L'Eventail (unfinished)'.