Composition

The Grey House is similar in composition to the etching The Embroidered Curtain [451] and shows the same scene as the etching, Jews' Quarter, Amsterdam [449] of 1889. It appears however to be an independent work.

Technique

It was painted with comparatively broad, free brushstrokes on a grey-painted chamfered panel. The brushstrokes in subtle, restrained colours (shades of grey with modest touches of pink and coral-red) leave much of the undercoat showing through. It is probable that The Grey House was not completed.

Conservation History

Freer Gallery files record that in 1921 'a light grey streaky surface' that was originally transparent had become opaque and was removed without damaging the paint. It was surfaced in 1933, resurfaced in 1938, and cleaned and surfaced in 1951.

Frame

Grau-style, American manufactured, dating from 1903. 1 The frame was regilded in 1960.