James McNeill Whistler The Music Room

Date 1858
Materials Etching - dark brown ink on laid paper
Dimensions 14.5 cm x 21.6 cm
Marks Inscribed in pencil on verso: "74"
Further information GLAHA 46721.
Edward G. Kennedy, The Etched Work of Whistler, New York, The Grolier Club, 1910 (33, 2nd of 2 states).

Note This etching shows an intimate domestic scene in the London home of Whistler’s half-sister Deborah. Deborah can be seen reading. Look how Whistler suggested her eager concentration and also her severe short sightedness through the closeness of the book to her face. Also shown reading around the single table lamp are Whistler’s brother-in-law, Deborah’s husband, Francis Seymour Haden and Haden's medical partner James Reeves Traer. Haden was an etcher and collector. Notice that there is a picture leaning on the wall beside him, suggesting his artistic interests. Haden’s collection included etchings by the Dutch 17th century painter Rembrandt. Whistler’s dramatic use of a central light source that throws dramatic shadows on faces and objects was influenced by Rembrandt. Whistler used surface inking to help create shadow and suggest a night time scene. Look at how dark the edges of the etching are, the greatest amount of ink having been left there.

Related works GLAHA 46720.