Study of a Female Figure probably dates from some time between 1865 and 1868. 1 It is difficult to date, being known only from a photograph in the Frick Art Reference Library.

Study of a Female Figure, photograph, The Frick Collection

Whistler in his Studio, Art Institute of Chicago

Symphony in Green and Violet, Freer Gallery of Art

It is dated from its apparent similarity to Whistler's figure studies of the 1860s, such as The Artist's Studio [YMSM 062] and Whistler in his Studio [YMSM 063], and the 'Six Projects' including Venus [YMSM 082] and Symphony in Green and Violet [YMSM 083]. The technique, as far as one can judge from the photograph, and particularly the use of the palette knife, suggests a date in the 1860s.