James Abbott McNeill Whistler. 1834-1903.
The Punt. 1861. Etching and drypoint. Kennedy 85 between ii and iii; Glasgow 82 between iii and iv/vi. A proof before the plate signature and date at lower left are partly removed; but before the publication line and signature were added at the bottom of the image. 4 3/4 x 6 7/16 (sheet 8 1/2 x 10 1/2). Printed in black ink on ivory chine collé mounted on wove white cardboard. Signed in the plate. A scarce intermediary proof prior to publication in Passages from Modern English Poets, London, in 1862. $1,250.
In August, 1861 visit Whistler made to Sunbury, the Upper Thames home of his friend and fellow artist, Edwin Edwards (1823-1879). Fantin-Latour (1836-1904) was also a guest there during this month. Both The Punt and Sketching [Glasgow 83] may have been created at that time. Both were printed on 1 December 1861, and published in Passages from Modern English Poets, London, in 1862 (Plates 7 and 45). The Punt, under the title 'The Angler', illustrated the poem 'The Angler's Soliloquy' by John Hamilton Reynolds (1796-1862).
Please click on the link to the Glasgow online catalogue raisonné The Punt.
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