The Tow-Path |  Freer Gallery of Art (1891.12) | |
| Number: | 325 | |
| Date: | 1887 | |
| Medium: | etching | |
| Size: | 50 x 84 mm | |
| Signed: | butterfly at lower left | |
| Inscribed: | no | |
| Set/Publication: | no | |
| No. of States: | 1 | |
| Known impressions: | 2 | |
| Catalogues: | K.254; M.250 | |
| Impressions taken from this plate (2) | ||
KEYWORD
canal, cart, horse, landscape, people, river, towpath, tree.
TITLE
There are slight variations in the wording and punctuation of the title, as follows:
'The Tow-Path ' (1887/1888, Whistler). 3
'Towing Path' (1889, Whistler). 4
'The Touring Path' [sic] (1900, Caxton Club). 5
'The Towing-Path' (1909, Howard Mansfield (1849-1938)). 6
Although Whistler used both 'Tow-Path' and 'Towing Path' in his records and correspondence, his original title, 'The Tow-Path' is preferable.
'The Tow-Path ' (1887/1888, Whistler). 3
'Towing Path' (1889, Whistler). 4
'The Touring Path' [sic] (1900, Caxton Club). 5
'The Towing-Path' (1909, Howard Mansfield (1849-1938)). 6
Although Whistler used both 'Tow-Path' and 'Towing Path' in his records and correspondence, his original title, 'The Tow-Path' is preferable.
3: List, [1887/1888], GUW #13233.
4: List, 18 July 1889, GUW #13235.
5: Chicago 1900 (cat. no. E251).
6: Mansfield 1909 (cat. no. 250).
DESCRIPTION
In the foreground is a canal, with the tow-path on the far side. On the path, at left, is a man standing, and to right, two horses, facing left. Further right is a horse and cart, facing left. Finally, at the far right is a railing with people standing by it. At that point the canal is lined with wood, possibly at the approach to a bridge or lock. In the background at right are trees in full leaf, and in the far distance at left, a house and church spire.
SITE
The site has not been identified. It could be on the outskirts of London, or on the continent.
DISCUSSION