Portrait of George W. Vanderbilt dates from 1897-1898. 1
Portrait of George W. Vanderbilt, National Gallery of Art
1897: On 18 May 1897 George Washington Vanderbilt (1862-1914) asked Whistler, 'will you consider me a fit subject for a portrait? ... I cannot begin to tell you how much I want an example of your great work.' 2 Whistler replied,
'I think I may frankly say that I would not ask for a more sympathetic subject than yourself, and therefore am greatly pleased at the prospect of painting your portrait -
I expect to return shortly to London - and will let you know directly I have got back to my studio.' 3
It was started in London in June and continued in August. 4 When Vanderbilt was due to return to the USA, Whistler wrote: 'I was ... quite shocked to hear your threat of sudden departure for America! I certainly never looked forward to any such undue haste in the midst of the work we have on the easel!' 5
Vanderbilt returned to Europe on 15 December, and the portrait was sent to Paris where Whistler was 'finishing as fast as I can,' as he told William Heinemann (1863-1920). 6 Whistler then announced that the 'great work' was finished and asked 1000 guineas for it, and a further 1000 guineas when the portrait was delivered 'after we have put the very last little dainty polish upon it.' 7 Vanderbilt agreed to Whistler's terms, saying, 'j'ai un beau portrait.' 8
1898: In Paris in August Vanderbilt sat for the 'last touches' and was 'most enthusiastic about his picture', finally sending a cheque for 'the masterpiece' on 25 August. 9
1899: Whistler complained he could not escape from 'Vanderbilt and complications of portraits "while you wait" ! - - - maddening!' 10
1901: In February Vanderbilt again offered to sit for 'those last touches' but Whistler proposed to give him back his cheque 'until I am well enough to finish his picture!' 11
1902: Vanderbilt sat (or rather stood) again for his portrait in June, and offered to do so in December. 12
1903: The portrait remained unfinished although Vanderbilt asked for further sittings. 13 Whistler died on 17 July, and the painting was in Whistler's studio at his death.
Notes:
1: YMSM 1980 [more] (cat. no. 481).
2: G. W. Vanderbilt to Whistler, 18 May 1897, GUW #05914.
4: Whistler to Vanderbilt, [1/7 June 1897], GUW #09489; Whistler to R. Birnie Philip, 27 August 1897, GUW #04717.
5: [22/25 August 1897], GUW #09487.
6: Vanderbilt to Whistler, 4 December 1897, GUW #05915; Whistler to D. C. Thomson, 15 December 1897, GUW #08421; and to Heinemann, [16/23 December 1897], GUW #08488.
7: Whistler to Vanderbilt, [28/30 December 1897], GUW #05916.
8: 31 December 1897, GUW #05917.
9: Vanderbilt to Whistler, 10 July 1898, GUW #05919; Whistler to R. Birnie Philip, [13 August 1898], GUW #04737; Vanderbilt to Whistler, 25 August 1898, GUW #05920.
10: Whistler to W. Heinemann, [February/March 1899], GUW #08514.
11: Vanderbilt to Whistler, 17 February 1901, GUW #05925; Whistler to R. Birnie Philip, [8 March 1901], GUW #04797.
12: Whistler to C. L. Freer, [2 June 1902], GUW #11597; Vanderbilt to R. B. Philip, [10/15 December 1902], GUW #05928.
Last updated: 18th October 2020 by Margaret
