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James McNeill Whistler Prints

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10.00 James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903)

James Abbott McNeill Whistler is one of the most renowned figures in the 19^th century art world. He began his unique passage through art history after an unsuccessful tour of service with the United States Coast Survey (1854-1855). It was during this brief experience that he acquired an interest in etching, by engraving into copper the federal government’s maps and charts. At the age of twenty-one he left America never to return. Whistler lived his remaining life alternating between London and Paris. He lived at 62 Slone Street in London, with Seymour Haden, who married his sister, and whose children Annie, Seymour and Arthur figure more than once in Whistler’s work. The etchings we offer were impressions taken from 57 engraving plates issued by the Fine Art Society of London in 1879. The prints and engravings were produced in 1922 by Herbert Reiach, Ltd., London. Many of the etchings came from the collection of an Edward G. Kennedy and were first published by the Grolier Club of New York in 1910. The list of prints are both direct impressions from the plates and early lithographic prints (1922) from the collection. Each offering is described with size and noted either direct impression or litho print. All prints are in very good condition, light tan patina in the coloring, and strong impressions in black ink. Many of the prints are offered framed in a 1-1/4" solid wood gold ornate frame. If your selection is unframed we will frame it for an additional $40. per print, presented with a complementing non ascitic matte border. These very rare and exceptional original engraving and lithographic prints are a Whistler art collector’s find:

In the autumn of 1887 Whistler traveled to Belgium with his brother and sister-in-law, and produced a number of etchings, including this one (Kennedy Set, Plate# 357). This direct impression [re-strike] bears his mark the "butterfly" within the etching. Located to the right margin center. A crucifix is seen above the doorway, an unusual addition for a Whistler etching. From the impression marks measures approximately (7.0" x 5.25").$ 220.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins.)

Very detailed strong direct impression [re-strike] from the Venice Set; belongs neither to the Set of Twelve nor the Set of Twenty-Six. It is one of the most highly finished of the Whistler etchings. Signed with the butterfly within the etching, it was not identified by Kennedy in his catalog but most likely was completed in or around 1880. Depicting a Venice slum. From the impression marks measures approximately (7.50" x 4.75")$ 295.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins.)

A wonderful etching (Kennedy Set Plate #204), eighth state, direct impression [re-strike] from the Venice Set. One of the Twenty-Six Etchings, first published by Dowdeswells in 1886. From the impression marks measures approximately (4.78" x 7.10").$ 225.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins.)

10.37 Henry Newman Davis, "Mr. Mann", J. A. Whistler, Plate #30

Whistler first called this intriguing engraving simply "Mr. Mann". This early 20th century litho offering, taken from the original engraving in the British Museum, later identified the subject as Henry Newham Davis, an acquaintance of Whistler. Signed in the print and dated 1860, (5.0" x 7.5"), offered framed in ornate gold 2" frame under glass, double non-ascitic matte $185.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

Direct impression [re-strike] of this fine etching. An exceptional work of the young master of dry-point. Perhaps inspired by his work in 1861, this effort has all the qualities one would expect of the artist. According to Pennell, this work was done at Perros Guirec,, in Brittany where Whistler was painting in the summer of 1861. Offered framed in a solid wood, doubled matted non-ascitic board. The image from the impression marks measures approximately (7.25" x 4.75") overall framed (12.0" x 14.0").$225.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins.)

10.43 The Lime-burner, J. A. Whistler, Plate #20

This litho print (c. 1923) taken from a group of his engravings show Whistler’s keenness of sight and sureness of hand. Here he changes his approach from the rest, being a study of light in an enclosed courtyard, somewhere around 1871. This one is from the "Thames Set". Companioned with this offering is Plate #7, La Vieille Aux Loques. This early (1923) litho is one of the very early Whistlers’ embracing the etching media of art expression of the master. Offered in a gold tone worm wood frame, with each print double matted in cream, highlighted in gold non-ascitic board , (5.1" x 7.0" each print, overall with frame: 12.0" x 16.0" approx), $180.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins.)**Sold**

10.44 The Music Room, J. A. Whistler, Plate #11

This very warm and detailed etching and the use of the Haden’s as subjects (Seymour Haden married Whistler’s sister), adds additional interest. Done somewhere around 1858, the Second State. This print is offered with Plate #22, Soupe A Trois Sous. Figures in a pub, drinking with a striking figure in the foreground, perhaps the subject is a likeness of Rodin? Offered framed in a gold simulated worm wood, with each print double matted in cream highlighted in gold, non ascitic board, (each print 5.1" x 6.75", overall with frame: 12.2" x 16.0" approx) $92.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.38 Fumette, La Me’re Ge’rard, J. A. Whistler, Plate # 3

Whistler used this model many times over. Here he captures her simple beauty in a very early etching of which this print (litho c.1924) is from the French Set, 1859. Signed in the print, with notation "Imp.Delatre.Rae St. Jacqure. 171", (5.0" x 7.3", overall framed: 10.1" x 13.0"). Offered in an ornate gold wood frame, double matted in cream and sea blue. $155.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins) **Sold**

10.21 Liverdun, J. A. Whistler, Plate#14

This detailed direct impression from litho stone, c. 1910, shows Whistler’s simple study of tumble-down old farm buildings, pleasing by the very reason of its objectivity and freedom from all affectation. Note the little girl in the foreground, perhaps Annie. Signed in the engraving, 1863. Offered framed in an ornate gold wood with non-ascitic matte board in a complimenting light gray. $220.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.70 The Riva, J. A. Whistler, Plate #70

This litho (c.1924) offering is one from the "Twenty-six Etchings" published by Dowdeswells in 1886. The original is in the British Museum. A wonderful example of simple detail showing Whistler’s talent for detail in etching and love of ships and the sea illustrating the shoreline and docks. Offered framed in an ornate gold wood frame with complementing light gray matte board. (6.75" x 5.0", overall framed: 10.5" x 12.0"), $160.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins) ***SOLD***

10.52 Old Putney Bridge, J. A. Whistler, Plate #52

Following the "Thames Set", came the "Venice" series of etchings. Here you see the treatment of small lines bring about the creation, i.e. the wooden piers and their reflection in the water of the bridge is very much the Venice manner of this litho print (c. 1924). Offered framed in an ornate gold with a complementing white matte board, (6.75" x 5.0", overall framed: 10.5" x 12.0") $155.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.15 La Marchande De Moutarde, J. A. Whistler, Plate #8

This is a very fine litho print (c. 1923) taken from a publication of Whistler’s work, demonstrates a command and control with fine detail in this late 1858 etching. Signed in the print with the notation, "Imp.Delatre.Rae.St. Jacques.171". Offered framed in an ornate double edged gold with a complementing double matte in white and sea blue, (5.0" x 7.2", overall framed: 10.5" x 12.3"), $155.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.16 Billingsgate, J. A. Whistler, Plate #21

The litho stone etching, c.1859, is an excellent representation of the artistry of Whistler. Signed in the engraving, second state, this original impression can be seen in the British Museum, (4 7/8" x 7" from the impression marks) $238.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.22 The Axenfeld, J. A. Whistler, Plate #31

This early (c.1922) litho print is from the Kennedy Set. Bohemia is in the plate. Very fine detail, etched with more precision and finish than most of this particular group, Whistler clearly depicts a portrait of master craftsmen; his burins are drawn with great skill. The model could be Rodin, with a striking resemblance to the master, (8.0" x 7.2"), the print has a small tear, mid section not affecting the print, signed in the print 1880. $ 80.00( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.41 The Balcony, J. A. Whistler, Plate #71

One of the Twenty-six Etchings", this litho print (c.1923) is from the Dowdeswells collection of 1886. In the eighth state, depicts a building in Venice with the fascinating lines of the building rising in detail with its gothic shapes. The balcony with several figures captures the moment in fine detail. In the doorway silhouetted in a black back drop is a maiden in white. From the Kennedy Set, (4.3" x 7.0"), $120.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

The Wheelwright from the Venice Set (Kennedy Set, Plate #233), third state, may indeed be a Venetian subject. This direct impression [re-strike] depicts the wheel shop with men at work laboring on repair of carriage wheels. Within the etching is the butterfly, left center and also outside the etched area. From the impression marks measures approximately (6.75" x 5.25"). $ 197.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins.)

10.09 Justice Walk, Chelsea, J. A. Whistler, Plate #89

This finely detailed litho stone direct impression (c. 1924) is from the Kennedy Set, first state. Depicting a street scene in Chelsea England in the late 1880's with children at play in front of several row houses with their fenced yards. The engraving was in the possession of the G. H. Christie family and is now located in the British Museum, (7.0" x 4.89", from the impression line), $190.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.26 Bibi Lalouette, J. A. Whistler, Plate #23

Whistler’s work, accomplished in 1859, of a curly-headed little boy was the son of the proprietor of a restaurant in Paris that was frequented by Whistler and other artists. This delightful litho of the etching (second state) reproduced in 1923 is a very fine example of his work. Signed in the litho, (5.1" x 7.3") $140.00( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

Drouet the sculpturer portrait is another very fine dry-point done in 1859. This frank and uncompromising recognition of the value of the dry-point technique was rather rare in the mid 1800's. The features of his friend are haunting. This wonderful early print (c1922) is signed in the print and titled. Offered framed in a doubled matte, gold wood. The print measures approximately (4.75" x 7.20") overall framed (12.0" x 14.0").$95.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins.)

10.33 The Finette, J. A. Whistler, Plate #27

In a quote from the Grolier Club Catalogue produced by Mr. E.G. Kennedy in the late 1890's; he wrote that "The Finette is a very subtle achievement and that in the whole of modern art (19^th century) you will not find such a Parisian of the late fifties (1850's) as more truthful or more interesting as this portrait of Whistlers’, striking and the beauty of the lines and tones make it a plate to behold". This description tells it all. The litho print of this etching is one of the finest we have, (5.0" x 7.2"), signed in the print dated 1859. $155.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.53 Rotherhithe (Wapping), J. A. Whistler, Plate #33

The bold etching of the waterfront supports Whistler’s love of the sea and ships. Masted ships at anchor and "sea dogs" in the foreground give this litho print etching of 1871, reproduced in 1923, as one from the "Thames Set" high marks as an example of the masters work, third state, (4.75" x 6.78") $155.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)**Sold**

10.62 The Model Resting, J. A. Whistler, Plate #44

From an original steel engraving proof (fourth state) in the Kupferstich-Kabinett, Dresden. This etching bares Whistler’s trade-mark, the butterfly. The first time the butterfly is noted is in the Kennedy Plate #91, Amsterdam; but it appears here in the fourth state sometime after 1863. The etching is simple but elegant and has all the trappings you would expect in a Whistler engraving. From the impression marks (4.50" x 7.34"). $225.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)***SOLD***

10.13 Balcony, Amsterdam, J. A. Whistler, Plate 94

A strong impression (Kennedy Plate #405), third state engraving of this detailed etching from the "Dutch Etchings". Dark tones highlighted by figures on the balcony give an air of deepened thought to the view. Taken from a proof plate in the Kupferstich-Kabinett, Dresden. The Dutch etchings are the most remarkable and most highly finished of Whistler’s work in the etching media. This offering is one from the "Dresden Cabinet", which is the set exhibited by Whistler at the Paris International Exhibition of 1900, after which he sold the set to Dresden. Upon his death in 1903 many of Whistlers remaining works were disbursed in order to settle his debts. From the plate impression marks (4.50" x 7.13") $235.00 offered unframed (framed, gold ornate, with double matte non-ascitic board $295.00, plus ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins))***SOLD***

10.01 Anacapa Island, California, J. A. Whistler

Whistler made many drawings while he was a West Point cadet, which he left at the age of twenty, in 1854. In November of that year his father, George Washington Whistler, contacted his friend Senator Jefferson Davis and asked if he could find his son a job in Washington. That same month Whistler was appointed to the U.S. Coast Survey and there he received technical training in engraving. It was during his brief federal employment (1854-1855) that he mastered the tecnique of engraving in copper. He produced two works that came to be known as "Coast Survey No.1 "and "Coast Survey No.2, Anacapa Island". The engraved print we offer is of Anacapa Island and engraved at the neat line is "engraved by J. A. Whistler, J. Young and C.A. Knight". The print, dated 1854 is framed in an appropriate solid wood silver tone frame, under glass with non-asctic matte board, (11.5" x 15.7" w/frame) $225.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.10 Thames Warehouse, J. A. Whistler, Plate 13

By 1859 Whistler was engaged in his beautiful series of etchings of the Thames. These were first published as a set in 1871. The offering here is the second state dated 1859 and signed in the engraving. This 1922 direct impression from the steel engraving is perhaps the most detailed of the Whistler scenic views (4.3" x 6.3"), $260.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)***SOLD***

10.14 The Mast, J. A. Whistler, Plate 60

One of the "Venice Set" published by the Fine Arts Society, c1880. An impression taken from a proof (fifth state) of the engraving, originally owned by the James Wordie family. A fine example of the masters work, (8.1" x 4.34"), $220.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.17 Becquet, J. A. Whistler, Plate 24

The impression taken from a steel engraving proof now in the British Museum, c1860, is a fine example of the etchings by Whistler. This rendering "Becquet", the fiddler and sculptor is an unusual dry-point engraving, (5.0" x 7.1") $220.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)

10.34 Black Lion Wharf (lithograph), J. A. Whistler, Plate 17

This detailed early litho (1922) is an excellent example of Whistler’s talent with the engraving technique. One can endorse what has been stated for decades of Whistler’s keen eye for the picturesque with every etched line of every type of waterfront building and ramshackle old riverside house. The litho is in fine condition with some light tanning, dated in the litho "Whistler 1859, first published in 1879, (5.75" x 8.75"), $175.00 ( $16.50 shipping/handling/ins)**Sold**

10.40 The Smithy, J. A. Whistler, Plate #84

A direct impression [re-strike] from the engraving plate. The Smithy is in the third state (Kennedy Set, Plate# 240). Taken from the proof in the Kupferstich - Kabinett, Dresden. Signed with the butterfly just under the anvil in the etching. From the impression marks measures approximately (6.50" x 5.25").$250.00 ($16.50 shipping/handling/ins.)

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