Technique

Le Bébé français, The Hunterian

The canvas is a medium weight plain tabby weave, lined with tabby linen. It has a blue line similar to one seen on canvases from Emile Blanchet (1852-1931) that were used for Whistler's full length portraits. 1 The dark grey ground forms a visible base colour. The portrait is painted loosely, with the baby's face brushed with very liquid paint, and the clothes scrubbed in with a much drier brush. The effect is spontaneous, but the portrait does not seem to have been finished.

Anderson and Koval comment on the 'looseness and fluidity of this painting', done 'quickly and efficiently', as an example of Whistler's preference for young models, and his greater freedom and effectiveness when working on uncommisioned subjects. 2

Conservation History

The lining emphasized the strong weave of the canvas and is clearly seen through the thin paint and priming. The varnish is glossy and discoloured, although the painting itself is structurally sound. 3

Frame

A circular wooden frame.