Technique

For some years up to 1991 it was assumed by the Art Institute of Chicago that this was either a fake, a forgery, or a drawing by another artist. However, it was examined by the author, and others, and it was determined that it is definitely an authentic self portrait.

It was drawn in black chalk, with some stumping to soften shadows, and it was touched up lightly with white chalk for his skin and highlights. The coarse surface of the paper adds texture to the lines. Stephanie L. Strother comments:

'Whistler varied his technique throughout the composition, using delicate, blended lines around the face; much bolder lines for the collar and upper hand; and broad, textured strokes applied in sweeping diagonals for the torso and background. Though the top portion of the drawing is quite detailed, it trails off to faint scribbles at the bottom.' 1

Futhermore she suggests that there may be a faint reflection of the figure on the table top. However, the head that appears upside down, and very small indeed, at the bottom of the sheet, does not appear to be related to the portrait.

For further details see MacDonald 1995 (cat. rais.) [more] (cat. no. 422).