Technique

It is painted on a thin panel of mahogany-type hardwood, a single section of wood with the wood grain running vertically. The panel was primed in off-white, with brushstrokes that run up and down the length of the panel; the priming provides the base colour for the table cloth, chair, and newspaper, and provides a mid-tone highlight. 1

It is thinly painted, possibly with parts rubbed down by the artist. The paint is thinly applied with a soft brush, for the face, hands and hair only. It has been smudged or blotted. The brushstrokes are clearly visible, and fluid on the figure. Spiky lines were drawn with the point of the brush on the flower pot, looking like a pen drawing.

It is possible that a megilp-type paint modifier is present, since the paint is very transparent. 2

Conservation History

The wood panel has an auxiliary backing and framing device, also in a mahogany-type hardwood, with adhered 7 mm wide battens that have mitred corners. This was probably done after Whistler’s death, possibly for exhibition. 3

The panel has a slight diagonal twist, and traces of a split at upper left, but is in sound condition. There is some paint loss and damage in the upper right corner, and many scores and scratches. The varnish, however, is thick and yellowed, and covers the battens as well as the painted panel. 4