The Little Red Glove probably dates from between 1901 and 1903. 1 The model, Lilian ('Lily') Pamington (b. 1887/1888), was posing for Whistler from about the age of ten. She looks distinctly older than ten in this portrait, which may have been started in 1901 or the following year. In November 1901, she was apparently given a 'new frock' and it is possible that is the white dress seen in this portrait. 2

In 1902 Charles Lang Freer (1856-1919) noted seeing 'A number [of portraits] known as "The Lilly" including the "Little Red Glove" ' in Whistler's studio, and on 18 June 1902 he noted that this painting was 'in progress' and Whistler agreed to sell it to him when completed, which he did in the following June. 3