The Paintings of James McNeill Whistler

Date

Soldier was drawn on the verso of a menu for a right hearty meal, which dates from 13 February, probably in 1876. ¹ It is likely but not entirely certain that the drawing is by Whistler.

Soldier, Glasgow University Library

The drawing is fully catalogued in MacDonald 1995 (cat. rais.) [more] (cat. no. 583) where it was dated '1876/8'. The date and transcription of the menu has been corrected.

Images

Subject

Description

Soldier, Glasgow University Library

A soldier in a long great-coat, carrying a pike, seen from the back. Two more helmetted heads are to right.

Technique

Technique

Soldier, Glasgow University Library

The technique is not entirely consistent with Whistler's work. The style might have been affected by the large dinner, or the drawing may have been done by another diner.

History

Provenance

• 1876: drawn on the back of a menu dated 13 February;
• 1903: in Whistler's studio at his death and bequeathed to his sister-in-law and executrix Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958);
• 1955: given to Glasgow University.

Exhibitions

It was not exhibited in Whistler's lifetime.

Bibliography

Catalogues Raisonnés

• MacDonald, Margaret F., James McNeill Whistler. Drawings, Pastels and Watercolours. A Catalogue Raisonné, New Haven and London, 1995 (cat. no. 586) as 'Soldier'.

Websites

• The Correspondence of James McNeill Whistler, 1855-1903, edited by Margaret F. MacDonald, Patricia de Montfort and Nigel Thorp; including The Correspondence of Anna McNeill Whistler, 1855-1880, edited by Georgia Toutziari. Online edition, University of Glasgow. GUW #06852.