Titles

One main title has been suggested, plus a descriptive one:

• 'Eve' (1898, Whistler). 1
• 'Eve with an Apple' (1899, Whistler). 2
• 'Eve' (1980, YMSM). 3

Description

Presumably a study of a nude woman holding an apple.

Whistler described a painting as 'nude figure begun from Lillie Pettigrew - a sort of Eve with an Apple in her hand.' 4

In this letter Whistler sketched the pictures he wanted, Two paintings of nudes [M.1601] and although they appear to show full-length nudes, possibly similar to Study of the Nude [YMSM 493], they are not detailed enough to identify the painting of 'Eve'.

Sitter

According to Whistler Lilian Pettigrew (b. 1870) , posed for a version of 'Eve' though not necessarily the same one mentioned to Heinemann.

The three Pettigrew sisters, Bessie ('Hetty'), the oldest, Rose the youngest, and Lily were very popular as models; a photograph of them by Edward Linley Sambourne (1844-1910) is reproduced above. Their mother brought them to London when Lily was about 14. In her memoirs Rose described her sister Lily as having 'most beautiful curly red hair, violet eyes, a beautiful mouth, classic nose, and beautifully shaped face, long neck, well set, and a most exquisite figure; in fact, she was perfection!' 5

Another model, Eva Warwick (dates unknown), posed nude for the pastel Ethel Warwick holding an apple [M.1605], but if she represents an 'Eve' this is a radical re-interpretation of the subject.

Finally, Whistler's last model, Dorothy Seton (fl. 1885-1900) posed fully clothed, holding an apple, for another painting that references Eve: Dorothy Seton - A Daughter of Eve [YMSM 552].