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

 

The Little Rose of Lyme Regis

The Little Rose of Lyme Regis dates from between October and November 1895 during Whistler's sojourn in Lyme Regis, Dorset. 1


                The Little Rose of Lyme Regis, Boston Museum of Fine Arts
The Little Rose of Lyme Regis, Boston Museum of Fine Arts

On 2 November 1895 the art dealer David Croal Thomson (1855-1930) thanked Whistler for having shown him 'The Rose':

'The artistic treat of seeing the Royalties of Lyme Regis was one never to be forgotten. The Master Smith, The Rose, The Infanta & the other princess are indelibly impressed on my memory & I cannot too warmly speak of their gorgeous colour, their exquisite style & harmony.' 2

In June 1896 Whistler wrote to Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932), New York dealer, 'I will try and put the few finishing touches on the "Little Rose" without spoiling the picture for you.' 3 However, there is no evidence that he did work on it again.

Notes:

1: YMSM 1980 [more] (cat. no. 449).

2: GUW #05827.

3: [28 June 1896], GUW #09761.

Last updated: 4th June 2021 by Margaret