Technique

This is an unfinished sketch, freely painted with flicking, loose brush-strokes. It was painted on paper; the top of the sheet is unpainted.

Since there are no other known oils of this period it is difficult to be sure of its date or authenticity. Although its provenance is impeccable, it could well have been painted by another artist and given to Whistler or his mother.

Conservation History

Unknown. A vertical split is visible to left of her nose.

Frame

Dark wood, 48.4 x 35.6 x 1.2 cm.