The Daughter of the Concierge
Artist
James McNeill Whistler
(American, 1834–1903)
Dateabout 1895
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionscanvas: 51.1 x 31.4 cm (20 1/8 x 12 3/8 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineTheodore T. and Mary G. Ellis Collection
Object number1940.55
Label TextLittle is known of the identity of the young woman in this sensitive portrait sketch, which is believed to have been painted by James Abbott McNeill Whistler in the studio of the British artist Walter Sickert. Although the work’s title suggests that it is a study of the teenage daughter of Sickert’s building manager, the features bear resemblance to similar portraits by Whistler of the Pettigrew sisters, three famous young models who posed for many London artists. Regardless of the exact identity of the moody young maiden, the portrait shows Whistler’s working method, as he outlined the figure in crayon on the canvas, then built up selective layers of paint, particularly the face. The butterfly monogram at right was a device the artist used for his signature.
ProvenanceTheodore T. and Mary G. Ellis, Worcester MAOn View
Not on view
