Technique

A Distant Dome, The Hunterian

It was painted on a single section of timber panel, probably mahogany. It was primed somewhat crudely with a light grey layer of paint applied with pronounced horizontal breaststrokes. Some of the priming is visible, forming part of the colour harmony.

It was probably painted in one session. It was painted quickly and freely, with no under-drawing, the details being added with a tiny pointed brush while the first coat was still wet, and with some light scraping. It was painted in a megilp-type material that dried fast and has now formed lead soap aggregates protruding through the surface. Compressed paint at the edges suggests it was slid into a paint-box for transport home, before it had dried. 1

Conservation History

The wood panel has an auxiliary backing and framing device, probably made from mahogany, with four adhered thin battens that have mitred corners; they have a slight bevel on the verso. 2 This form of auxiliary backing was probably done after Whistler's death.

The panel is structurally sound although the appearance of the panel suffers from thick glossy and yellowed layers of varnish, which cover the framing battens. 3

Frame

35.5 x 44.8 x 6.4 cm.