Description: Provenance“Little Evelyn” by James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903) Number: Way 110 Levy 159Date: 1895Medium: Transfer lithograph Image size: 6 ⅞” x 4 ½ “ (17.4 cm x 11.5 cm) Paper size: c. 13“ x 10” (32.3 cm x 25.3 cm) Matte size: 16’ x 20” (40.6 cm x 50.3 cm)Signed: unsigned Markings: Yes, “The Art Journal March, 1896” located on the bottom left corner of the sheet Inscribed: NoSet/Publication: No, printed in black ink on cream laid paper used for “The Art Journal” edition No. of States: 1Printer: Thomas Robert Way Edition size: c. 3000 +15 aside from the published edition Collections: Metropolitan Museum NYC, Chicago Art Institute, Harvard Art Museum. Provenance HistoryInitial Creation (1897) Little Evelyn was created by James McNeill Whistler in 1896, showcasing his mastery of transfer lithography. The piece exemplifies Whistler’s ability to capture the subtle beauty of his subjects through delicate lines and tonal variations. The lithograph focuses on an intimate moment, reflecting Whistler's artistic ethos of elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary.Printing and DistributionThe lithograph was printed by Thomas Robert Way, Whistler’s trusted collaborator and a highly skilled printer. Produced as part of The Art Journal edition of March 1896, approximately 3,000 impressions were made on cream laid paper for the publication, allowing Whistler’s work to reach a broader audience. An additional 15 prints, separate from the published edition, were created for exclusive distribution.Early CollectorsShortly after its publication, Little Evelyn became highly sought after by collectors, art enthusiasts, and patrons in England and the United States. Its universal appeal lay in Whistler's nuanced portrayal of everyday life, earning admiration for its artistic depth and technical brilliance.Institutional CollectionsOver the years, notable institutions acquired the work:Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City: Became part of their collection, contributing to the museum’s focus on American art and its historical context.Harvard Art Museum: The print was added to their esteemed collection, where it serves to educate the public about the significance of Whistler's contribution to lithography and American art.Chicago Art Institute: This museum also recognized the importance of Whistler’s work and included "Little Evelyn" in its collection, further solidifying its place in art history.Current OwnershipToday, Little Evelyn remains in these esteemed collections, preserved for public appreciation and academic study. Its inclusion in these institutions ensures the print’s continued relevance and accessibility for future generations. This example is from an estate of a private Connecticut collector. ConclusionThe provenance of Little Evelyn demonstrates its journey from creation to institutional acclaim, underscoring its importance within James McNeill Whistler’s oeuvre. This transfer lithograph captures a fleeting moment of Victorian life with elegance and technical mastery, solidifying Whistler’s legacy as a pivotal figure in 19th-century art. Its enduring presence in major collections highlights the work's artistic and cultural significance, ensuring its place in the history of printmaking.
Price: 350 USD
Location: Norwalk, Connecticut
End Time: 2025-02-05T13:00:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Features: Limited Edition
Region of Origin: London
Personalize: No
Handmade: No
Item Width: 16 in
Title: Little Evelyn by James Whistler
Production Technique: Lithography
Item Height: 20 in
Subject: Children & Infants
Size: Small
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Material: Ink, Matte Paper, Paper
Period: Historicism (1850-1900)
Certificate of Authenticity (COA): No
Time Period Produced: 1850-1899
Image Orientation: Portrait
Framing: Matted
Artist: James Whistler
Year of Production: 1896
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Unit Quantity: 1
Personalization Instructions: The lithograph is matted with acid-free materials for protection. An invoice from Childs Gallery, Newbury Street, Boston, dated September 1979, will accompany the etching.
Style: Post-Impressionism
Signed: No
Unit of Sale: Single Piece
Type: Print
