The Paintings of James McNeill Whistler

Date

Fireplace was drawn on the verso of a letter draft by Whistler that probably dates from 1892, possibly between 18 September and 30 October. ¹

Fireplace, Glasgow University Library

It was catalogued in MacDonald 1995 (cat. rais.) [more] (cat. no. 1348) as by J. McN. Whistler, though with justified reservations. The entry has now been amended.

Images

Subject

Site

Fireplace, Glasgow University Library

Probably the Whistlers' house at 110 Rue du Bac, Paris.

Technique

Technique

Fireplace, Glasgow University Library

It is probable that these designs and drawings are by Beatrice Philip (Mrs E. W. Godwin, Mrs J. McN. Whistler) (1857-1896), who was closely involved in decorations for the new house in Paris. See also r.: The Kitchen Studio Stove; v.: Study of a head, and shading m1349, where similar chequered patterns appear.

Conservation History

The drawings are on the first side, facing each other across a fold. On the second and third sides are notes of dates and sums, and on the back, notes, in pencil, which are unrelated to the drawings.

History

Provenance

• 1903: in Whistler's studio at his death in 1903 and bequeathed to his sister-in-law, Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958);
• 1955: given by Miss Birnie Philip to the University of Glasgow.

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. 1348) as 'Fireplace'.

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, 2003-2004, GUW #07443.