Composition

On 20 July 1895 Kennedy noted that it was 'a replica of a former one not so good but which was put aside. Same composition’. Whistler wrote on 12 July 1895: 'The little O K. must be packed separately - but shall go at once.' 1 The sitter wrote to Whistler on 14 April 1896 saying that, since Whistler had wiped out the 'distinguished portrait' (presumably Portrait of E. G. Kennedy (1) [YMSM 403]), Kennedy would not bring back the one he still had: 'the other remains here, such as he is. I'll send him to you if you like, if you do another one but not standing and not so small.' 2 Kennedy went to France with Whistler after the death of Whistler's wife in the summer of 1896, but there was no reference to the portrait being continued.

Technique

Painted thinly on a wood panel, the face and hands being in very slightly thicker paint, and painted with a small brush. Despite the frequent sittings and reworking, it looks quite fresh.

Conservation History

Unknown. The edges of the painting, where it was under the frame, are scuffed. There is some craquelure around Kennedy's right hand and hat. The clothes and background may have darkened. The butterfly at right is practically invisible now.

Frame

It is in a Grau-style frame. 3