Brown and Gold: The Curé's Little Class dates from July 1896. 1

It was painted in the church of St Catherine, Honfleur, when Whistler was on a trip to Honfleur with the art dealer Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932), in July 1896. 2

Brown and Gold: The Curé's Little Class, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art

On 14 July 1896 Whistler wrote that he had begun a picture in the church: 'Went into the church - which is excellent - and began a little picture - If I could have found the old woman or a verger I should have put up a candle for Trixie - Indeed I wish I were a Catholic.' 3 On 18 July he complained, 'I have not been able to manage anything in the way of painting - with the exception of a little bit in the church which is not particularly satisfactory.' 4 However, as soon as Whistler was back in London, he sold 'The little St Catherine' on 23 July 1896. 5

In December 1896 The Academy and Literature described it with several other paintings including Green and Violet: The Evening Walk, Dieppe [YMSM 328] as 'charming.' 6