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Weary

Impression: Hunterian Art Gallery
Hunterian Art Gallery
(54093)
Number: 93
Date: 1863
Medium: drypoint and roulette
Size: 199 x 132 mm
Signed: 'Whistler.' at lower left (4-final)
Inscribed: '63.' at lower left (4); date removed (5)
Set/Publication: no
No. of States: 6
Known impressions: 35
Catalogues: K.92; M.92; T.71; W.83
Impressions taken from this plate  (35)

TECHNIQUE

This fine and atmospheric study was drawn entirely in drypoint, with delicate and oft-repeated outlines, fine details and complex cross-hatching. According to Lochnan the drypoint was executed using very fine lines.
'Few impressions were taken, largely because of the speed with which the burr would have worn. They are printed for the most part in black ink on very thin, silky japon mince which enhances the aesthetic beauty and delicacy of the subject.' 20

20: Lochnan 1984, p. 149.

However, there is a larger print-run of the third state than would normally be expected for a drypoint, and roulette was used to reinforce the deep shadows in the fifth state.

PRINTING

There was a surprisingly large print-run of over 30. The need to revive the drypoint is undoubtedly the reason for the several revised states of the etching.
They are nearly all printed in black ink on Japan paper, which varies considerably in texture, colour and quality. Early impressions were on cream lustrous golden Japan (Graphic with a link to impression #K0920101) and cream laid Japan tissue (Graphic with a link to impression #K0920104). Likewise the main print-run, in the fourth state, was on Asian papers including cream (Graphic with a link to impression #K0920203) and ivory (Graphic with a link to impression #K0920225) laid Japan tissue; thick, lustrous light buff Japan (Graphic with a link to impression #K0920205); thin ivory Japan (Graphic with a link to impression #K0920208); thin ivory paper with water spots (Graphic with a link to impression #K0920223); and buff laid paper (Graphic with a link to impression #K0920z01). One exception was printed on cream wove paper, possibly in an attempt to achieve new effects from the plate as it wore down (Graphic with a link to impression #K0920222).