Composition

This is a drawing of a model posing for Rose et argent: La Jolie Mutine [YMSM 389]. The pose is not identical: her hands are closer together and further to her right. In the oil, the model was slightly more turned to the front.

Technique

This is a hurried, forceful sketch, catching the essence of the costume and pose with long, confident lines. It is not certain if this is by James or Beatrice Philip (Mrs E. W. Godwin, Mrs J. McN. Whistler) (1857-1896). The drawing could be a first sketch by Whistler, before he settled on the more frontal pose, or it could be a drawing by Beatrice Whistler, done while Whistler was painting the portrait, from a position just to his right.