System Number: 07603
Date: [5 December 1891][1]
Author: JW
Place: [London]
Recipient: John Chandler Bancroft[2]
Place: [Paris]
Repository: Published
Document Type: PLfc[3]
[CHEYNE WALK]
[...] Of course it is most delightful[4] - happening as it does just now - after all, that you know of, in this country! The Ruskin[5] - and the rowdyism of the papers, and the ribaldry and the rest of it! What an answer to the lot of them! Amazing! [...]
[JW promises to paint a sea-piece[6] for Bancroft]
[...] If you really want a very fine and most characteristic Whistler, go to the Goupils Gallery, Boulevard Montmartre - where the portrait of my mother was shown the other day - and ask monsieur Loyant[7] [sic] from me to show you The Venice Nocturne[8] - The light in their little room upstairs is execrable - but no matter - you look at the Nocturne - it is a beauty - St Marks in the moonlight [...]
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. [5 December 1891]
Dated from the postmark as recorded by Sotheby's (see below).
2. John Chandler Bancroft
John Chandler Bancroft (1822-1907), politician, diplomat and collector [more].
3. PLfc
Excerpt published in an auction catalogue, Sotheby, London, 8 December 1983 (lot 223), described as an autograph letter, '4pp, 8vo'. An envelope came with the letter (full details not given).
4. delightful
The acquisition of Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter's Mother (YMSM 101) for the Musée du Luxembourg.
5. Ruskin's
John Ruskin (1819-1900), critic, social reformer and artist [more], whose criticism of JW in 1877 led to the Whistler v. Ruskin trial of 1878.
6. sea-piece
As requested in #00244.
7. Loyant
Maurice Joyant (1864-1930), art dealer, manager of Boussod, Valadon et Cie [more].
8. Venice Nocturne
Nocturne: Blue and Gold - St Mark's, Venice (YMSM 213).