Technique

It is painted thinly on rich red mahogany, and since it is sketched in only roughly in dark green and grey and black, except for the higher finish of the area around the eyes, the red wood contrasts disconcertingly with the paint. There are some crude dabs and strokes of thicker paint around her chin and neck, and on the buttons.

Conservation History

J. J. Cowan's drawing (reproduced above), and his description of 'The Bridesmaid' in a letter dated 30 June 1901, precisely fits the panel Study of a Girl's Head except for his reference to a signature, where he writes 'it was only afterwards that the signature & a suspicion of sentiment began to shake my faith!' 1 Whistler never mentions the signature, so perhaps, if there ever was one, he or later restorers have removed it.

According to Whistler, a small head of a girl, painted by him, was stolen from his studio in Paris '...and ... very much repainted.' 2 His sister-in-law wrote, before returning the picture to its owner: 'This picture was removed from Mr. Whistler's studio without his knowledge and worked on by some person unknown.' 3

The unevenness of technique and paint thickness does suggest that the picture was both touched up and rubbed down, not necessarily by Whistler.

Photographs suggest the painting may have darkened very slightly. There are signs of abrasions and a scratch to right and below her neck.

Frame

Labels on the frame are recorded by the museum as follows: 'THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES / ABERYSTWYTH / TITLE OF PICTURE Study of a Girl's Head / ARTIST Whistler / LENT BY The Misses Davies, / Gregynog. / EXHIBITED 1951 (58)'; "J. M. WHISTLER. / 'STUDY OF A GIRL'S HEAD' / MARGARET S. DAVIES. / GREGYNOG COLLECTION."; 'The University of Michigan / Museum of Art / Ann Arbor, IM 48109'; and '7/26/62 / Vose Galleries / P.O. / T.R. 152'. In addition there are two handwritten stickers, '5' and '34', and written text, '#20725 / 9 1/2 x 5 1/2'.