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

 

M.1700
The Retort

Artist: James McNeill Whistler
Date: 1900
Collection: The Hunterian
Accession Number: GLAHA 46311
Medium: pencil
Support: tan tracing paper
Size: 176 x 127 mm (6 15/16 x 5")
Signature: none
Inscription: "Design for 'Pears’ Soap' (The Retort) (never used)" possibly by Harold Wright

The Retort

Description

The Retort, The Hunterian
The Retort, The Hunterian

A standing nude woman seems to be plucking fruit from a tree, while to right is a child tending a retort. It is not clear if this is intended to be producing soap or cider.

Last updated: 9th December 2020 by Margaret