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

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M.1570
r.: Butterfly; v.: Chequered butterfly

Artist: James McNeill Whistler
Date: 1899
Collection: Library of Congress, Washington, DC
Accession Number: 2006678407
Medium: pencil, pen, dark brown ink and white paint
Support: dark cream wove card
Size: 6 1/4 x 4 3/4" (158 x 120 mm)
Signature: butterfly
Inscription: r.: 'Size across - outside measure -/ Page 43 / Reflection :- / P / width of Body', and '2-H-S-116' in unknown hands; v.: in unknown hands, 'Heinemann / Special Thurs 4 00 / 38843 / 8-89-806.30'

r.: Butterfly; v.: Chequered butterfly

Composition

r.: Butterfly, Library of Congress
r.: Butterfly, Library of Congress
Eden versus Whistler: The Baronet and the Butterfly. A Valentine with a Verdict, p. 58, Glasgow University Library
Eden versus Whistler: The Baronet and the Butterfly. A Valentine with a Verdict, p. 58, Glasgow University Library

This was drawn for publication in Whistler 1899 (F)[more] . The butterfly was used for the reflection, 'Shocking bad raconteur, Sir William!…' rather than for p. 43. It was reduced to a small scale as suggested, 7mm. At this size details were barely visible although its jauntiness was apparent.

Technique

A lot of white paint was used to eliminate errors, possibly during the reproductive process.

Conservation History

The paper has rough edges, particularly at left, where it was torn along a fold. There are pin holes at the corners. The paper is smooth and shiny. Attached is a scrap cut from a catalogue '101. Original Drawing of Butterflies. With Whistler's directions to photo-engraver and printer.'

v.: Chequered butterfly, Library of Congress
v.: Chequered butterfly, Library of Congress

Verso, the card has been torn and only part of the butterfly survived, with its diamond-chequered wings, crossed out.

Last updated: 8th April 2019 by Margaret