James Abbott McNeill Whistler. 1834-1903.
San Giorgio. 1880. Etching and drypoint. Kennedy 195.vi; Glasgow 201.v. State before cancellation. 8 1/8 x 11 7/8. Series: Second Venice Set 1886. Glasgow records 53 impressions. A fine, atmospheric proof late tone, printed in black/brown ink on antique laid paper. Provenance: Robert Light, 1971; R.E. Lewis; Bonhams. Monogrammed with the butterfly in the image and annotated 'imp' on the tab in pencil by Whistler. $15,000.
In this state, according to Glasgow, the etching is "Signed with a butterfly at lower left.
The left side of San Giorgio's porch roof is redrawn, along with details of the façade and objects on the deck of the steamship; the bands of fine shading on the sky have worn away."
The plate was cancelled.
Glasgow describes the scene: "In the foreground at right is a quayside with two boats moored to a cluster of posts, and a man in a small boat beside them. Astern there is another man in a boat; an empty boat lies alongside the quay in front. In the lagoon beyond are numerous two-masted sailing boats. In the distance is a panoramic view of Venice. Behind a long white steamer rise the façade, dome and campanile of the church of San Giorgio."
Please click on the link to the Glasgow online catalogue raisonné
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