Rose et or: La Napolitaine dates from between 1898 and 1899. 1 Whistler's biographers, the Pennells, record that Whistler was painting several portraits of Carmen Rossi (b. ca 1878 about 1897. 2

However, the date range of 1898/1899 is more likely. It was possibly this portrait of Carmen that was mentioned by Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932) on 30 June 1899 as suitable for exhibition in New York. 3

Rose et or: La Napolitaine, Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

Violet and Rose: Carmen qui rit, The Hunterian

This dating is confirmed by its similarity to other portraits of Carmen, and by the known association of Carmen and Whistler in Paris at this time. The earliest portrait of her was Crimson note: Carmen [YMSM 441], followed by the painting under discussion, Rose et or: La Napolitaine, and Violet and Rose: Carmen qui rit [YMSM 506].