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

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YMSM 029
Portrait of Major G. W. Whistler (2)

Artist: Formerly attributed to James McNeill Whistler
Date: 1857/1858
Collection: Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, DC
Accession Number: F1905.62a-b
Medium: oil
Support: wood
Size: 30.3 x 25.1 cm (12 x 9 7/8")
Signature: none
Inscription: none
Frame: modern

Portrait of Major G. W. Whistler (2)

Technique

Portrait of Major G. W. Whistler (2), Freer Gallery of Art
Portrait of Major G. W. Whistler (2), Freer Gallery of Art

It is carefully painted, with regular, even brushwork and fairly thin paint. The brushstrokes are precise and visible as separate strokes on details such as the facial features. The colouring is realistic and the modelling effective. It is definitely a highly professional work.

Conservation History

According to Freer Gallery of Art conservation records it was cleaned and surfaced in 1935 and 1951.

Frame

Portrait of Major G. W. Whistler (2), Freer Gallery of Art
Portrait of Major G. W. Whistler (2), Freer Gallery of Art

A modern copy of a Whistler-type reeded frame.

Last updated: 20th October 2020 by Margaret