Composition

The curious mixture of biblical, Oriental, and mythological subjects mentioned by Whistler (Phryne, Dannae, Eve, Odalisque, Bathsheba) 1 could possibly be applied to a number of the late nude studies in oil by Whistler, such as Study of the Nude [YMSM 493].

On the other hand, none of the many pastels of nude and draped figures known to have been drawn in the 1890s were given such titles nor have they any recognisable iconographical details, with the exception of Ethel Warwick holding an apple [M.1605], where the apple is probably a note of colour, or a snack, and not a symbol.

There are, however, two pencil drawings (Adam and Eve [M.1697] and Eve [M.1698], reproduced above) that appear to be based on the story of Adam and Eve, although according to Miss Birnie Philip they were drawn in connection with a competition run by Pear's Soap – and the apple is in fact a bar of soap.

Technique

Unknown.

Conservation History

Unknown.

Frame

Unknown.