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) | ||
TECHNIQUE
This is a very lovely portrait, with expressive drypoint lines emphasizing the textures of clothes.
PRINTING
The first proof of the first state was printed in black ink on cream laid paper with a partial 'Pro Patria' watermark (
). The second proof was printed on 'modern' (post-1800) laid paper (). Later impressions varied, a third state being on buff - slightly greyish - laid paper with a 'Pro Patria' watermark () and fourth states on both 'antique' laid () and wove paper (). There is one impression from the cancelled plate ().
). The second proof was printed on 'modern' (post-1800) laid paper (). Later impressions varied, a third state being on buff - slightly greyish - laid paper with a 'Pro Patria' watermark () and fourth states on both 'antique' laid () and wove paper (). There is one impression from the cancelled plate ().After publication of the catalogue by Frederick Wedmore (1844-1921), Messrs Dowdeswell asked Whistler for impressions of a number of etchings and drypoints, including The Muff, and Whistler sent them one on 27 July 1887. 7