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Windsor Castle

Impression: Freer Gallery of Art
Freer Gallery of Art
(1888.16)
Number: 314
Date: 1887
Medium: etching
Size: 134 x 98 mm
Signed: butterfly at lower left
Inscribed: no
Set/Publication: no
No. of States: 1
Known impressions: 2
Catalogues: K.330; M.325
Impressions taken from this plate  (2)

KEYWORD

flags, jubilee, landscape, river, thames barge, castle.

TITLE

Whistler's original title is not known. Variations on the title are as follows:


'Windsor' (1893, Chicago). 1
'Windsor, No. 2' (1909, Howard Mansfield (1849-1938)). 2
'Windsor Castle' (1903/1935, possibly Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958)). 3


The similar Windsor subject, Windsor (Memorial) 313, has been known as 'Windsor, No. 1' compared to this etching, which Mansfield called 'Windsor, No. 2'. However, the title 'Windsor Castle' is sufficient.

1: Chicago 1893 (cat. no. 2256).

2: Mansfield 1909[more] (cat. no. 325).

3: Envelope containing copper plate, Hunterian Art Gallery.

DESCRIPTION

Windsor Castle is seen in the distance, beyond trees on the river bank, reflected in the broad reach of the river. A few clouds are indicated in the sky. A flag flies on a flagpole above the round tower, towards the right.

SITE

Windsor Castle on the River Thames, up river from London, in the county of Berkshire in England. It was, and is, a royal residence. It was originally built by William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest and was enlarged, restored and rebuilt over later centuries. Queen Victoria made minor changes to the palace, and used it as the centre for royal entertainment during her reign. See also Windsor (Memorial) 313.