Rose et gris: Geneviève Mallarmé dates from 20 October 1897. 1

Mallarmé and family at Valvins, photograph, GUL Whistler PH1/161

The portrait of Mallarmé's daughter was painted at their home at Valvins (S. et M.) on 20 October 1897, and given by the artist to the sitter. 2

Rose et gris: Geneviève Mallarmé, Private collection

On his return to Paris Whistler had it framed, and wrote to Mallarmé on 23 October 1897:

'Il est déjà dans son cadre le petit tableau de la princesse en son boudoir Rose et gris -

Tout le monde en est enchanté ...

Ma visite restera pour moi un souvenir dont la douce influence ne saura que m'encourager dans ma vie que vous connaissez si triste au fond! ...

Présentez mes homages à ces dames, avec mes meilleurs remerciements pour toutes leurs gentilles bontés ...

En regardant encore, je crois qu'Elle l'aurait aimé, le petit portrait! - et je sais qu'en songeant à moi, vous pensez à nous deux!' 3

Translation: 'The little painting of the princess in her Pink and grey boudoir is already framed -

Everyone is enchanted by it ...

My visit will remain for me a memory of which the sweet influence can only encourage me in my life that you know to be so sad at heart! ...

Give my regards to the ladies, with my many thanks for all their lovely kind-heartedness ...

Looking at it again, I think that She would have liked the little portrait! - and I know that in thinking of me, you think of us both!'

'She' was the artist's wife Beatrice Philip (Mrs E. W. Godwin, Mrs J. McN. Whistler) (1857-1896), who had died in 1896, at which time he was comforted by friends including Stéphane Mallarmé (1842-1898), the poet, and his family.