System Number: 01016
Date: 27 October 1894
Author: Arthur Jerome Eddy[1]
Place: Paris
Recipient: JW
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler E5
Document Type: ALS
GRAND HÔTEL
BOULEVARD DES CAPUCINES, 12
PARIS.
LE Oct 27 1894
My dear Mr. Whistler -
You see I insist on my own way to the very last - I enclose order to [Henri?] Perou[2] & Co to pay 350 guineas, believing that at least that amount should be paid - Were it not for your very positive instructions I should have them pay the entire amount - it is at your disposal at any time. Whoever delivers the picture[3] can present the order.
Time is too short for me [p. 2] to adequately express all I feel toward you and Mrs Whistler[4], but the few hasty words of parting to-night were entirely insufficient -
I was a stranger[5] and ye took me in I was a cold and ye clothed me - a hungred and ye fed me - litterally [sic] and metaphorically.
The clothed man is still with you a magnificent achievement - as worthy of you as an artist as I am unworthy of it as a man & object -
I realized to-day as I have not before the strain and [p. 3] misadventure under which you have been working all along - and more than ever I appreciate your very great patience -
Ah well I can sum it all up by saying that as man and artist you have more than met my expectations.
The portrait we own will be more than a portrait - or a picture - a memento of weeks delightfully spent in spite of personal discomfort and mental strain.
In conclusion I would again thank Mrs Whistler for her generous inter-[p. 4]est in the work - She was more than good to us both -
Good night
faithfully yours
Arthur J Eddy
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. Arthur Jerome Eddy
Arthur Jerome Eddy (1859-1920), writer and collector [more].
2. [Henri?] Perou
Presumably carriers delivering Eddy's paintings.
3. picture
Arrangement in Flesh Colour and Brown: Portrait of Arthur J. Eddy (YMSM 425).
4. Mrs Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].
5. I was a stranger
Allusion to Matthew 25.35-6: 'For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.'