James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903)
The present impression has very little etched work in the water in the central part of the print, consistent with Whistler’s note on the verso that this is the first impression pulled, and with Glasgow and Kennedy’s description of the first state of this print. Instead of the line work, Whistler has left waves of carefully wiped plate tone to represent the movement and shading of the water.
In this early state the bridge railing in the center and shadow work in the buildings at the left are yet to be completed. In the later states, Whistler also added heavy lines in the water and sky suggesting a storm, while in the first state, the lines are drawn with an exquisite light touch suggesting a calm before the storm.
Provenance
H. Wunderlich & Co., New York (stock no. A 33940)
George Washington Vanderbilt III (1914-1961), New York
The George W. Vanderbilt Collection of Etchings and Lithographs by James A. McNeill Whistler, Sotheby’s, New York, 15 May 1974, lot 282
P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., London
With Agnews, London, 1976
Harris Shrank Fine Prints, New York, by 2009
Exhibitions
London, Thos. Agnew & Sons Ltd., Whistler. The Graphic Work: Amsterdam, Liverpool, London, Venice, 6 – 30 July 1976;
Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery, 20 August – 26 September 1976;
Glasgow, Art Gallery and Museum, 7 October – 11 November 1976.