- 19
James McNeill Whistler
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- James McNeill Whistler
- Nocturne (K. 184; G. 222.VI)
- Etching
- plate: 202 by 296 mm 7 7/8 by 11 5/8 in
- sheet: 225 by 315 mm 8 7/8 by 12 3/8 in
Etching and drypoint, a fine impression with rich burr and carefully wiped plate tone, 1879-1880, Glasgow's sixth (of nine) states, signed in pencil with the large shaded butterfly and inscribed 'imp o', numbered 7, according to Glasgow, numbered 7 from the edition of 14 delivered to the publisher on 2/16/1881 for inclusion in the portfolio, Venice, a Series of Twelve Etchings (i.e. the First Venice Set), on on wove paper, printed by Way, published by the Fine Arts Society, London, framed
Condition
The print is in good condition, the full sheet. The sheet is unevenly toned. There is an inconspicuous vertical band of surface soiling in the right margin. A three inch long unobtrusive horizontal crease in the right sheet edge extends into the image. The verso, with six hinge remnants and a few skinned spots, backed with Japan.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
According to Glasgow, Whistler inscribed impressions of the sixth state (such as the present lot) to indicate those he wished to include in Venice, a Series of Twelve Etchings, at the same time recording how many proofs had been printed. Per Glasgow, Whistler included the 'o' to the right of 'imp' to designate the proof for inclusion in the portfolio and noted the number of printed proofs and their progression in the left margin '7 x' and '14.'.
On February 16, 1881, consistent with Whistler's coding, the artist delivered 14 impressions of the sixth state to the Fine Art Society for inclusion in Venice, a Series of Twelve Etchings. By 1889, Whistler would produce a total of 96 impressions of states 1-9. 56 such impressions are known today.