Etchings Institutions search term: british museum
A Lady at a Window |  Freer Gallery of Art (1903.257) | |
| Number: | 148 | |
| Date: | 1875/1877 | |
| Medium: | drypoint | |
| Size: | 235 x 160 mm | |
| Signed: | butterfly at right (3-final) | |
| Inscribed: | no | |
| Set/Publication: | 'Cancelled Plates', 1879 | |
| No. of States: | 4 | |
| Known impressions: | 19 | |
| Catalogues: | K.138; M.135 | |
| Impressions taken from this plate (19) | ||
STATE
Four states are known before cancellation.
State 1
There is no signature or inscription.
The figure is partially sketched; there is a suggestion of a curtain in the background.
State 2
The figure is completed and her features defined; her right leg is bent with the shoe resting against a panel or large album to left; strong diagonal lines are added on the dress and additional shading on the hat; diagonal lines indicate the curtain, with vertical lines added below it; tables are added at left and right.
State 3
Signed with a butterfly above centre at the right edge.
Shading is added on the dress, curtain and under the window, which is more defined, with the hint of buildings seen through the lower pane; vertical lines are added in the background to right of the figure; shading is extended behind her legs; her foot is almost entirely removed; curved lines and spokes are added above the table, giving it the appearance of a printing press.
State 4
Not reproduced.
The head and hat have been redrawn, suggesting alternative sizes, with a smaller head, bigger hat, feather trim, and different positions, both looking down or possibly facing the viewer; fine regular shading is added on the torso and right arm; the skirt is outlined at left.
No impression of this state has been located. It is known only from the cancelled plate, reproduced below.
State 4 (cancelled)
Some horizontal lines, abrasions and scratches, probably accidental, appear at upper left; it is cancelled with light diagonal lines across the figure.