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The Boy

James Abbott McNeill Whistler

Artwork Details

The Boy
1875-1876
James Abbott McNeill Whistler
drypoint, printed in black ink on laid paper
13 1/16 in. x 8 9/16 in. ( 33.2 cm x 21.7 cm )
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker
1954/1.358

Description

Subject Matter:

Whistler executed a number of drypoint portraits during the early and mid-1870s. Because of the amount of plate tone to the right of the image, it is likely that this impression was pulled after Whistler's return from Venice. The sitter is Charles James Whistler Hanson (1870-1935), Whistler's illegitimate son with Louisa Fanny Hanson, believed to be a parlourmaid.

Physical Description:

A boy with long hair sits on a low ledge or rail, facing to the left but looking at the viewer. The figure is lit from the left and behind the figure to the right is deep shadow.

Usage Rights:

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