The Muff |  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.