James Abbott McNeill Whistler. 1834-1903.
The Two Doorways. 1879-80. Etching and drypoint. Kennedy 193.iv/v; Glasgow 221.vi/xiii. Glasgow lists 54 recorded impressions. Plate 8 x 11 1/2 inches; 203 x 292 mm; (Sheet 8 7/8 x 12 1/2 inches; 225 x 318 mm.). From Venice, a Series of Twelve Etchings (First Venice Set) A rich impression with plate tone, printed on Japanese vellum. Provenance: Collection of Martin and Liane Atlas. Signed in the plate with the artist's butterfly signature to the left of the arch of the doorway; monogrammed with the butterfly and inscribed 'imp' in pencil by Whistler. Housed in a 15 1/8 x 18 5/8-inch gold leaf frame. $20,000.
In this state, Glasgow notes,"The child at the right side of the doorway is less distinct, and now appears to hold a flat basket or tray, and his dark hat has been removed or worn away."
Glasgow describes the scene: "A canal crosses the foreground, curving into the distance round a corner at right, with a small arched bridge just visible beyond the corner. There are three-storey buildings beside the canal at right, one with a stone balcony. The façade to left, reading from left to right, shows a shuttered arched window, a pointed arch leading into a workshop, a bricked-up window under a small window with open shutters, a doorway with a decorative wrought iron grille above and windows and a balcony just visible at right, with clothes on a line hanging from a pole beside the balcony. In later states a gondola came and went in front of the open doorway, with figures in the boats and in the doorway, and more detailed depiction of the façades to right: for these later changes."
Please click on the link to the University of Glasgow online catalogue raisonné Two Doorways
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