Detail from The Canal, Amsterdam, 1889, James McNeill Whistler, The Hunterian, University of Glasgow

Home  > Catalogue > People > Anna Matilda Whistler (related works) > Catalogue entry

Paintings at Speke Hall

Description

Whistler's mother described the sketch:

'Jemie sent me a sketch of mine as the centre, Mr Leylands Portrait and a painting of Velasquez the two on either side of mine covering The wall one whole side of the great dining room called the banquetting [sic] hall, and [said] that the two Portraits bore the comparison with the painting of the famous Spanish Artist to his satisfaction.' 1

Comments

In 1871 Frederick Richards Leyland (1832-1892) wanted to add a painting by Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez (1599-1660) to his collection, but Whistler told Leyland that he could not recommend the portrait El Corregidor de Madrid as 'a fine Velasquez'. 2 However, Charles Augustus Howell (1840?-1890) assured Leyland of its authenticity, and by 1872 it hung in the 'Velasquez Room' in Leyland's London house in Princes Gate. 3 It was sold, after Leyland's death, at Christie, Manson and Woods on 28 May 1892 (lot 109), but its authenticity was disputed.

Notes:

1: A. M. Whistler to C. J. Palmer, 3 November 1871, GUW #10071.

2: J. Whistler and A. M. Whistler to F. R. Leyland, 23 August [1871], GUW #11867.

3: Duval, Susan, A reconstruction of F. R. Leyland's Collection: an aspect of northern British patronage, Courtauld Institute of Art, London, MA thesis, 17 May 1982.

Last updated: 22nd February 2021 by Margaret