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

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The Little Rose of Lyme Regis

The Little Rose of Lyme Regis dates from between October and November 1895 during Whistler's sojourn in Lyme Regis, Dorset. 1


                The Little Rose of Lyme Regis, Boston Museum of Fine Arts
The Little Rose of Lyme Regis, Boston Museum of Fine Arts

On 2 November 1895 the art dealer David Croal Thomson (1855-1930) thanked Whistler for having shown him 'The Rose':

'The artistic treat of seeing the Royalties of Lyme Regis was one never to be forgotten. The Master Smith, The Rose, The Infanta & the other princess are indelibly impressed on my memory & I cannot too warmly speak of their gorgeous colour, their exquisite style & harmony.' 2

In June 1896 Whistler wrote to Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932), New York dealer, 'I will try and put the few finishing touches on the "Little Rose" without spoiling the picture for you.' 3 However, there is no evidence that he did work on it again.

Notes:

1: YMSM 1980 [more] (cat. no. 449).

2: GUW #05827.

3: [28 June 1896], GUW #09761.

Last updated: 4th June 2021 by Margaret