C. L. Drouet, Sculptor |  Freer Gallery of Art (1889.27) | |
| Number: | 35 | |
| Date: | 1859 | |
| Medium: | etching and drypoint | |
| Size: | 226 x 152 mm | |
| Signed: | 'Whistler' at lower right, 'Whistler Maitre Eaufortier' at upper right | |
| Inscribed: | '1859.' at lower right; 'Drouet. Sculpteur.' at lower centre | |
| Set/Publication: | 'Cancelled Plates', 1879 | |
| No. of States: | 2 | |
| Known impressions: | 73 | |
| Catalogues: | K.55; M.55; T.55; W.53 | |
| Impressions taken from this plate (73) | ||
In 1872 nine portraits by Whistler were exhibited
in J.A. Rose's exhibition of engraved portraits at the opening of the Guildhall Library and Museum (cat. nos. 960-68) described as 'Nine portraits etched in copper - very rare - plates destroyed'.
Candidates for these nine portraits include Auguste Delâtre, Printer [28],
Whistler with a hat [44],
C. L. Drouet, Sculptor [35],
Finette [61], Z. Astruc, Editor of 'L'Artiste' [36],
Arthur Haden [66],
Mr Mann [73],
Riault (The Wood Engraver) [69] and
Axenfeld [68]. Other possibilities include
Greenwich Pensioner [40],
Bibi Valentin [34],
Bibi Lalouette [33] and
Fumette standing [59].
In 1897 Whistler told E. G. Kennedy, 'The "Drouet" I believe to be destroyed though at this moment cannot absolutely remember - ' 15
The plate was in fact cancelled lightly, and then slightly more positively, before publication in the 'Cancelled Set'. It was then restored and printed in America. According to Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932),
The plate was in fact cancelled lightly, and then slightly more positively, before publication in the 'Cancelled Set'. It was then restored and printed in America. According to Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932),
15: [21 May 1897], GUW #09767.
'The plate was among those cancelled by Whistler in 1879. It finally fell into the hands of some one who had the lines of cancellation, which were light, erased, and the original lines drawn together again. Impressions from the plate in this state are deceptive, but can be detected upon close comparison with an early print. They may be recognized by a slight mark on the nose.' 16
16: Kennedy 1910 (cat. no. 55).