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

 

M.1699
Venus and Cupid

Artist: James McNeill Whistler
Date: 1901
Collection: The Hunterian, University of Glasgow
Accession Number: GLAHA 46310
Medium: crayon
Support: pale brown wove paper
Size: 178 x 129 mm (7 x 5")
Signature: none
Inscription: "Design connected with a commission from Pears' Soap", possibly by Harold Wright

Venus and Cupid

Composition

Venus and Cupid, The Hunterian
Venus and Cupid, The Hunterian

The woman was drawn within an oval frame, and appears related to Adam and Eve [M.1697], Eve [M.1698] and The Retort [M.1700]. The figures are somewhat unspecific, and could equally be a mother and child making good use of Pears soap, or a 'Venus and Cupid'.

Conservation History

The left side of the paper is torn. Whistler used the other half of the sheet for Eve [M.1698].

Last updated: 9th December 2020 by Margaret