Composition

According to Larned, this was copied from a print frequently used by Robert Walter Weir (1803-1889) for the instruction of Cadets. 1

The print copied by Whistler was the source for another painting now at West Point, by James Chatham Duane (1824-1897) of the class of 1848, who was an Instructor at West Point during Whistler's time there. Duane's drawing is slightly larger than Whistler's (338 x 442 mm) and, although browned and cracked, but with a range of colours similar to that seen in Whistler's picture.

A series of prints of monastic subjects were used as models for Weir's classes. Copies of these done in 1845 by Delos B. Sacket (1822-1865) of the class of '45, and in 1847 by Walter H. Stevens (1827-1867), class of '48, are in the collection at West Point.

Conservation History

The paper is now badly browned, cracked and torn, with some paper loss at the upper right corner.