Detail from The Canal, Amsterdam, 1889, James McNeill Whistler, The Hunterian, University of Glasgow

 

M.0843
Sketch of 'Harmony in Grey and Green: Miss Cicely Alexander'

Artist: James McNeill Whistler
Date: 1881
Collection: Private Collection
Accession Number: none
Medium: pen and dark brown ink
Support: off-white laid paper, printed heading 'HOGARTH CLUB, / 27, ALBEMARLE STREET. / W.'
Size: 8 15/16 x 7 1/16" (227 x 181 mm)
Signature: none
Inscription: none

Sketch of 'Harmony in Grey and Green: Miss Cicely Alexander'

Composition

Sketch of 'Harmony in Grey and Green: Miss Cicely Alexander', Private Collection
Sketch of 'Harmony in Grey and Green: Miss Cicely Alexander', Private Collection
Harmony in Grey and Green: Miss Cicely Alexander, Tate Britain
Harmony in Grey and Green: Miss Cicely Alexander, Tate Britain

This is a sketch or memory sketch of the oil, Harmony in Grey and Green: Miss Cicely Alexander [YMSM 129]. It shows her with her right leg forward instead of her left.

Technique

The swirl of the hat, drawn over the stiffly starched dress with its ruffled hem, and the essence of the little girl's upright pose, is caught with economical effectivness. The jagged lines and dots of the drawing, whilc lacking precision, are taut and lively, while angular patches of shading, some overlapping, create an effect of space, flickering light and shadows.

Last updated: 9th June 2021 by Margaret