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The Muff

Impression: Freer Gallery of Art
Freer Gallery of Art
(1892.4)
Number: 131
Date: 1874
Medium: drypoint
Size: 126 x 75 mm
Signed: butterfly at right (3-final)
Inscribed: no
Set/Publication: no
No. of States: 4
Known impressions: 11
Catalogues: K.113; M.112; W.126
Impressions taken from this plate  (11)

TECHNIQUE

This is a very lovely portrait, with expressive drypoint lines emphasizing the textures of clothes.

PRINTING

The first proof of the first state was printed in black ink on cream laid paper with a partial 'Pro Patria' watermark (Graphic with a link to impression #K1130001). The second proof was printed on 'modern' (post-1800) laid paper (Graphic with a link to impression #K1130102). Later impressions varied, a third state being on buff - slightly greyish - laid paper with a 'Pro Patria' watermark (Graphic with a link to impression #K1130204) and fourth states on both 'antique' laid (Graphic with a link to impression #K1130304) and wove paper (Graphic with a link to impression #K1130303). There is one impression from the cancelled plate (Graphic with a link to impression #K1130401).
After publication of the catalogue by Frederick Wedmore (1844-1921), Messrs Dowdeswell asked Whistler for impressions of a number of etchings and drypoints, including The Muff, and Whistler sent them one on 27 July 1887. 7

7: 4 February 1887, GUW #00888; 27 July 1887, #08677.