Provenance

• 1903: in Whistler's studio at his death and bequeathed to his sister-in-law and executrix, Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958) ;
• 1935: given to the University of Glasgow.

Exhibitions

• 1888: possibly Ve Exposition des XX, Société des XX, Brussels, 1888 as 'Rose et argent'.
• 1888: possibly III. Internationale Kunst-Ausstellung, Königlicher Glaspalast, Munich, 1888 (cat. no. 48) as 'Rosa und Silber'.
• 1889: “Notes” – “Harmonies” – “Nocturnes”, H. Wunderlich & Co., New York, 1889 (cat. no. 37) as 'Rose and Silver' (number on verso).

It was not, as previously suggested, shown in 'Notes' - 'Harmonies' - 'Nocturnes', Second Series, Messrs Dowdeswell, London, 1886 (cat. no. 37) as 'Violet Note'.

The New York Times did not described this pastel specifically, but commented on 3 March 1889 that 'the Wunderlich exhibition included 'pastels of nude young ladies who rely a good deal on the color of the paper on which they live for their existence.' 1

It apparently remained unsold, and was returned after the exhibition to Whistler. 2

By the terms of Miss Birnie Philip's gift, the drawing can not be lent for exhibition.