The Widow probably dates from between 1895 and 1900. 1

The Widow, private collection

The brushwork on the face has the sort of finish seen in Whistler's portraits from 1895-1900, such as The Little Rose of Lyme Regis [YMSM 449] and Rose and Gold: The Little Lady Sophie of Soho [YMSM 504]. The oval format and dark green background are common to a number of Whistler's late portraits, such as A Paris Model [YMSM 458] and Girl in Black [YMSM 470]. The butterfly is of a type used in the late 1890s.