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

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The White Girl

Composition


                    Study for 'Harmony in Grey and Peach Colour', Manchester City Art Gallery
Study for 'Harmony in Grey and Peach Colour', Manchester City Art Gallery

It may be Study for 'Harmony in Grey and Peach Colour' [M.0469], one of two studies for Harmony in Grey and Peach Colour [YMSM 131].

In a letter to Whistler in 1895 (the year after the sale of the pastel 'The White Girl') E. G. Kennedy described a 'pastel of the Little White Girl' as lacking a face, but the pastel, though 'little', is unlikely to have been a study for Symphony in White, No. 2: The Little White Girl [YMSM 052]. 1

Technique

E. G. Kennedy mentioned to Whistler a 'pastel of the Little White Girl, which you are to "put a head on" (or face) for me.' 2 It is not known if Whistler did anything of the sort, but if it is indeed Study for 'Harmony in Grey and Peach Colour' [M.0469], then he did add a very faint face.

Notes:

1: 16 July 1895, GUW #07256.

2: 16 July 1895, GUW #07256.

Last updated: 22nd February 2021 by Margaret