Composition

Lady Gordon's daughter, Glasgow University Library

This is a design for a portrait that was not, as far as is known, completed - and possibly not started. Whistler's letter, accompanying this drawing, reads as follows:

'If I really am to do the portrait of the pretty little fair haired daughter, I had better begin at once - as time is very short -

I should like the white dress very pretty - quite a cloud of white muslin - and, in it, sharp little bits of black ribbon combined with pink - reappearing in the hair as a rosette -

If the dress is begun I could soon explain, or we might work it out together if you like -

Shall I come tomorrow evening? or thursday - so that we might explain with the dress maker, who ought to be there - and begin the painting on Saturday or Monday.' 1

The dress design looks similar to that in Harmony in Grey and Peach Colour [YMSM 131].