UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

The Scotch Widow

Impression: New York Public Library
New York Public Library
(MEZAP)
Number: 147
Date: 1875/1876
Medium: drypoint
Size: 205 x 103 mm
Signed: butterfly at right
Inscribed: no
Set/Publication: 'Cancelled Plates', 1879
No. of States: 1
Known impressions: 18
Catalogues: K.142; M.140; W.118
Impressions taken from this plate  (18)
The Scotch Widow dates from 1875.

It was dated '75', possibly by Whistler, on one impression (Graphic with a link to impression #K1420209) for Samuel Putnam Avery (1822-1904). Avery lent this to an exhibition in 1881, describing it in the catalogue as '1875'. 1 Frederick Wedmore (1844-1921) also described it as 'A dry-point, done in 1875.' 2

The butterfly signature and drypoint technique confirm this date. Works of similar date include Fanny Leyland [135], Elinor Leyland [137], Florence Leyland [136], Agnes [146], The Little Velvet Dress [119] and The Silk Dress [151].

1: New York 1881 (cat. no. 137).

2: Wedmore 1886 A (cat. no. 118).