Arrangement in Grey: Portrait of Master Stephen Manuel dates from 1885.

It was commissioned by Sophia (Eustratius) Ionides (Mrs M. B. Manuel) (1853-1905) , the wife of Miltiades Basil Manuel (1841-1907), and completed in 1885.

According to the artist Walter Richard Sickert (1860-1942), Whistler 'was not quick enough for the child, who was wearied with the number of sittings'; and Sickert begged Whistler not to 'attempt to repaint the whole picture to the boy's present condition but merely touch details. The picture is finished.' 1

Arrangement in Grey: Portrait of Master Stephen Manuel, Freer Gallery of Art

According to the sitter, Stephen Manuel (1880-1954) the final version of the portrait was painted 'in about two sittings.' 2