Titles

Two titles have been suggested:

• 'The Grey Lady' (1908, J. S. Campbell). 1
• 'The Grey Lady: Portrait of Lady Archibald Campbell' (1980, YMSM). 2

'The Grey Lady: Portrait of Lady Archibald Campbell' is the preferred title.

Description

It was described by the sitter as follows:

'A picture which he called The Grey Lady was a harmony in silver greys. I remember thinking it was a masterpiece of drawing, giving the impression of movement. I was descending the steps of a stair, the canvas was of a great height, and the general effect very striking.' 3

Sitter

Janey Sevilla Campbell (Lady Archibald Campbell) (ca 1846-d.1923) married Archibald, the second son of the eighth Duke in 1869. She was a beautiful and cultured woman, and moved in fashionable circles. Her patronage was important in restoring Whistler's position in London after his bankruptcy. Portrait of Lady Archibald Campbell in Court Dress [YMSM 240] was the first portrait of 'Lady Archie' (see The Grey Lady: Portrait of Lady Archibald Campbell [YMSM 241] and Arrangement in Black: La Dame au brodequin jaune - Portrait of Lady Archibald Campbell [YMSM 242].

She was a pioneer in encouraging the production of pastoral plays, and posed in costume for Note in Green and Brown: Orlando at Coombe [YMSM 317]. Lady Archie's sister-in-law, Gertrude Elizabeth Campbell (Lady Colin Campbell) (1857-1911), posed to Whistler several years later for Harmony in White and Ivory: Portrait of Lady Colin Campbell [YMSM 354].