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The Muff

Impression: Freer Gallery of Art
Freer Gallery of Art
(1892.4)
Number: 131
Date: 1874
Medium: drypoint
Size: 126 x 75 mm
Signed: butterfly at right (3-final)
Inscribed: no
Set/Publication: no
No. of States: 4
Known impressions: 11
Catalogues: K.113; M.112; W.126
Impressions taken from this plate  (11)
The Muff probably dates from 1874. The butterfly signature is consistent with this date. On 5 May 1874 Whistler asked Ralph Thomas, Jr (1840-1876):
'I want a small plate ready prepared for my new etching - will you get me one - and your brother Percy might prepare it - or Delâtre will - ... and perhaps I had better have two ... the size of the envelope - will do exactly'. 1

1: [5 May 1874], GUW #13681.

The size indicates this drypoint and Tatting [130], or possibly Reading a Book [112].