Composition

This is one of two studies for the etching La Marchande de Moutarde [20] which was published in the 'French Set', Douze Eaux-Fortes d'après Nature (Twelve Etchings from Nature). The etched image as printed appears in reverse.

Conservation History

The sheet was probably taken from a sketchbook. Over fifty drawings, many in sketchbooks, most of which dated from 1857-1858, were apparently given to Whistler's half-sister Deborah and/or her husband, Francis Seymour Haden, and were later removed from the sketchbooks.