James Abbott McNeill Whistler. 1834-1903.
The Menpes Children. 1904. Etching. Kennedy 261; Glasgow 300.i. 2 5/8 x 4 (sheet 10 x 7 1/2). This plate serves as the frontispiece in the deluxe edition of the book by Mortimer Menpes, Whistler As I Knew Him (London, 1904). One foxing spot in the margin, well outside the image; otherwise excellent condition. A fine impression printed on cream paper with full margins. Signed with the butterfly in the plate. $1,250. Mortimer James Menpes, is not shown.
Mortimer Luddington Menpes (1860-1938) and Rosa Mary Menpes (1855-1936) had seven daughters and two sons: Maud Rose Goodwin (1878-1958), Mortimer James (1879-1900), Dorothy Whistler (1883-1973), Walter (1886-1945), and Claude (1892-1963). The etching probably includes Maud and Dorothy, and the Menpes's fourth child, Walter, born on 21 September 1886. Their older son, Mortimer James Menpes, is not shown.
Please click on the link to the Glasgow online catalog raisonné The Menpes Children.