James Abbott McNeill Whistler. 1834-1903.
En Plein Soleil. (In full sun). 1858. Etching. Kennedy 15.ii; Glasgow 11.iii. 3 7/8 x 5 1/4 (sheet 5 x 6 7/16). Glasgow records 43 known impressions. Series: Douze Eaux-Fortes d'après Nature (French set). A rich proof printed in bistre ink, on cream laid paper with full margins. Signed 'Whistler' in the plate, lower left, and 'Imp. Delâtre Rue St. Jacques. 171' lower right. $3,250.
The etching was done in Paris in the summer of 1858 before Whistler's trip to the Rhine. The identity of the woman with the parasol is not known, but she was presumably no stranger to Whistler. His first biographers tell of at least one trip to the country with friends of both sexes, during which Whistler painted a female companion. The feeling of sunshine and fresh air is in line with the growing tradition of plein air (open air) painting in France.
Please click on the link to the Glasgow online catalogue raisonné En Plein Soleil.
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