UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

The Model Lying Down

Impression: Freer Gallery of Art
Freer Gallery of Art
(1909.115)
Number: 110
Date: 1873/1874
Medium: drypoint
Size: 188 x 277 mm
Signed: no
Inscribed: no
Set/Publication: no
No. of States: 1
Known impressions: 1
Catalogues: K.121; M.120; W.107
Impressions taken from this plate  (1)

PUBLICATION

It was not published.

EXHIBITIONS

No exhibition is known in Whistler's lifetime. An impression was shown at the Whistler Memorial exhibitions in London and Paris in 1905. 5

5: London Mem. 1905 (cat. no. 107).

SALES & COLLECTORS

Charles Augustus Howell (1840?-1890) bought an impression of a print called 'Odalisque' on 19 November 1877 for £1.1.0. There are several prints that could possibly have been so called, but the title is not mentioned anywhere else. However, the price is rather low for what may have been a unique impression of a fairly elaborate composition. 6

6: [16-21] November 1877, GUW #12740.

The sole surviving impression of The Model Lying Down was acquired by Mortimer Luddington Menpes (1860-1938) (Graphic with a link to impression #K1210102). 7 It is not known when he acquired it: he collaborated with Whistler in the 1880s when printing the Venetian etchings, and may have had the opportunity then. Wedmore wrote 'A most rare dry-point, of high elegance. Mr Menpes has what may perhaps be the only impression.' 8 This impression was bought by Charles Lang Freer (1856-1919) in 1909.

7: Morning Post, 26 October 1903 (GUL PC 21/6).

8: Wedmore 1899 (cat. no. 107).