Axenfeld

1859

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image is an etching of an individual shown from the waist up. The person is positioned seated and slightly facing to the left, their gaze directed toward the viewer. The individual's facial features include a prominent nose, a beard, and mustache, with an expression that comes off as contemplative. The hair is of medium length, brushed back and appears somewhat textured. The person is wearing a loose, flowing garment that drapes around their shoulders and body, with visible folds and lines indicating the fabric's texture. One of their hands is visible, holding an object that appears to be a small, thin stick. The background is plain, with subtle shading, creating contrast and drawing attention to the subject.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    drypoint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 22.86 x 15.24 cm (9 x 6 in.)
    sheet: 23.18 x 15.88 cm (9 1/8 x 6 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1949.5.533

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Kennedy 1910, no. 64, iii/iii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Howard Mansfield [1849-1938], New York, (Lugt 1342); ( A. A. Hahlo & Co., New York); purchased by Harris Whittemore [1864-1927], Naugatuck, CT, 1919; (his sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, 17 January 1949, lot 138); (Charles Sessler, Philadelphia, PA); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald, Jenkintown, PA, 1949; gift to the NGA, 1949.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 64, iii/iii.

2012

  • MacDonald, Margaret F., Grischka Petri, Joanna Meacock.James McNeill Whistler: The Etchings, a catalogue raisonné. University of Glasgow on-line website at http://etchings.arts.gla.ac.uk. University of Glasgow, 2012: no. 68, no state listed.

Inscriptions

on plnate: Whistler. 1860. ('6' reversed)

Watermarks

partial: ...KE...

Wikidata ID

Q65076934

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