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Jo’s Bent Head

James Abbott McNeill Whistler

Artwork Details

Jo’s Bent Head
1861
James Abbott McNeill Whistler
drypoint, printed in dark brown ink on laid paper
12 5/8 in x 7 5/8 in (32.07 cm x 19.37 cm)
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker
1954/1.349

Description

Subject Matter:

Whistler's "secret of drawing" approach allows him here to concentrate on Joanna Hiffernan's profile, describing the rest of her body in a few cursory lines.
Margaret Watson Parker acquired three impressions taken from this plate, each has differences in printing and papers.

Physical Description:

A young woman is seen sitting in profile. She faces to the right, her head bent downward, her wavy hair framing her face and falling down her back. Only the face and hair are drawn fully, the rest of the woman's body is quickly rendered in a few lines.

Usage Rights:

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