System Number: 05916
Date: [28/30 December 1897][1]
Author: JW
Place: [Paris]
Recipient: George Washington Vanderbilt[2]
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler V5
Document Type: ALdS[3]
My dear Vanderbilt -
Now that the great work[4] is complete - and I think[5] fancy
you and I who have been so much in it may in our present enthusiasm say 'great work'. - I think frankly that you would like me to approach the help you tell you what I feel about it - and so help you to its final placing in Biltmore!
[p. 2] Well then I may say at once that a couple of thousand guineas ought to, in a manner, mark the high consideration in which it is held! by Whistler & Vanderbilt
For my part I look upon this painting as one that shall represent whatever curious qualities there may be in the work of the Butterfly and in their the final condition - with real delight - and am well pleased to be represented by it in my own Country - And I am happy in believing that you too have in it complete enjoyment and satisfaction -
You have been charming!
And for once I think I may say as Ingres[6] did to the Napoleon[7],
when he saw was confronted with his own portrait of Prince Napoléon hung
Quel beau portrait que vous avez là Mon Prince![8].
Always Sincerely Yrs
[butterfly signature]
Now I would rather
Now I would rather that you sent me now a cheque for 1000 gs. and the rest when you finally take the picture into your possession after we have put the very last little dainty polish upon it -
I wish though you would write me line tonight to say if all this be to your [taste].
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [28/30 December 1897]
Dated from G. Vanderbilt's reply to JW, 31 December 1897, #05917.
2. George Washington Vanderbilt
George Washington Vanderbilt (1862-1914), collector [more]. In late 1897 Vanderbilt was visiting Europe.
3. ALdS
Written on mourning paper.
4. great work
Portrait of George W. Vanderbilt (YMSM 481). Vanderbilt commissioned the work in May 1897 (see G. Vanderbilt to JW, #05914).
5. I think
JW has reinstated this text, and also 'in a manner' (on p. 2), by a line of dots underneath.
6. Ingres
Jean Dominique Ingres (1780-1867), painter [more].
7. Napoleon
Napoléon Bonaparte (1769-1821), Emperor of France [more].
8. Quel beau portrait que vous avez là Mon Prince!
Fr., what a beautiful portrait you have there my Prince. Vanderbilt responds directly to this line in the beginning of his reply (31 December 1897, #05917).