James McNeill Whistler

La Sylphide

Date c. 1896-1900
Materials Oil on canvas
Dimensions 61.2 cm x 46.2 cm
Marks Signed with a butterfly at the centre right
Further information GLAHA 46357.
Andrew McLaren Young, Margaret F. MacDonald, Robin Spencer and Hamish Miles, The Paintings of James McNeill Whistler, New Haven and London, Yale University Press, 1980 (494, plate 318).

Note A sylphide is a spirit-like being or a slender young girl. Notice that the face of the model in this painting is left undefined, and that the focus is on her slim elegant body. By placing the model against a dark background, Whistler drew attention to her beautiful curves and on the golden glow of her skin. Look how thinly painted the drapery is in places. The drapes enhance the elegance and grace of the figure. The pink cap and fan add dainty touches of colour. Can you see Whistler’s butterfly signature to the right of the fan? Despite the spiritual suggestions of the title, this is simply a painting of a model posing in a studio. The silvery-white armchair in the background was owned by the artist.

Related works GLAHA 53575.