UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

The Corresponence of James McNeil Whistler

return to surnames beginning with ''

Sophie Eustratius Manuel, 1853-1905

Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 1853.07.23
Place of Birth: London
Date of Death: 1905.02.22
Place of Death: London

Identity:

Sophia Manuel, née Ionides, was the sister of Nellie Whistler. She married Miltiades Basil Manuel (1841-1907). They had a son, Stephen Manuel.

Life:

JW seemed to be very fond of Sophie Manuel, whom he described as 'delightful' [#06713]. She commissioned JW to paint her son's portrait. Sittings for Arrangement in Grey: Portrait of Master Stephen Manuel (YMSM 321) took place in 1885. According to the artist Walter Sickert, JW did not work quickly enough for the child who became tired from posing. Sickert made an etched portrait of him at the same time.

Bibliography:

Young, Andrew McLaren, Margaret F. MacDonald, Robin Spencer and Hamish Miles, The Paintings of James McNeill Whistler, New Haven and London, 1980.