Titles

Whistler's own title is not known, so the picture was given a descriptive title:

• 'Sketch for a Self Portrait' (1960, Arts Council). 1
• 'Self-portrait' (1980, YMSM). 2

'Self-Portrait' is the generally accepted title.

Description

Self-Portrait, The Hunterian, GLAHA 46329

A head and shoulders portrait of the artist, in vertical format. His head is seen in three-quarter view to right, and he looks directly at the viewer (himself!). He wears a black jacket and narrow black cravat over a white shirt. His hair is slightly curly, with a white lock faintly indicated at upper right, and he has a wide moustache. The background is very dark brown.

Sitter

H. S. Mendelssohn, J. McN. Whistler, albumen print, 1884/1885, GUL Whistler PH1/108

H. S. Mendelssohn, J. McN. Whistler, 1884/1895, albumen print, GUL Whistler PH1/228

James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903). This is one of a series of self-portraits, possibly studies for Gold and Brown [YMSM 462].