UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

Seymour, Standing probably dates from 1857 or 1858.

It is of a similar date to a related subject (a portrait of Seymour's sister, Annie Haden with Books [6]). Seymour would have been five when Whistler first arrived in London in 1855. Judging by his dress and confident pose, this portrait shows him a few years later, possibly aged seven or eight. It could have been drawn in 1857 or between February and March 1858, when Whistler was convalescing with the sitter's parents, Deborah Delano Haden (1825-1908), and Francis Seymour Haden, Sr (1818-1910), in London.

The signature 'J.W.' is in an early form, suggesting a date of 1857/1858. Other etchings similarly signed include The Dutchman Holding A Glass [4], Portrait of Whistler [5] and Annie Haden with Books [6].

By the end of 1858, Whistler was signing his work with his full surname. Two portraits of Seymour's siblings (Little Arthur [8], and Annie [7]), first signed with initials, were signed 'Whistler' when published with the 'French Set' in November 1858.