System Number: 09891
Date: 1 February 1903
Author: JW
Place: London
Recipient: K. E. Johnson[1]
Place: [Paris?]
Repository: Princeton University Library, Princeton, NJ
Call Number: Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Gen MSS [Misc.], CO 140, Box WH, Whistler Folder, subfolder 3
Credit Line: Published with permission of Princeton University Library
Document Type: ALS[2]
Dear Mrs. Johnson -
You had better give Mr. Balli[3] the enclosed note at once - as it is to tell him that I was mistaken about some of those pictures -
The Irish Girl[4] & The Neighbours[5] [p. 2] are the two that would be at his disposal if he likes -
When "The Irish Girl" is finished I will let you know & you can bring Mr Balli to the Studio again that he see it -
Of the price, which of course I understood you to ask, I can never say anything until the picture is finished -
"The Neighbours" is 400. guineas. This though complete, requires still a few more touches -
It is late! - and I ought to stop immediately!
Wherefore very best compliments and
Very Sincerely
J. McNeill Whistler
74. Cheyne Walk -
Sunday
Feb. 1. 1903.
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. K. E. Johnson
Mrs K. E. Johnson, possibly a collector or dealer.
2. ALS
The paper has a mourning border.
3. Mr. Balli
John Balli (1849-1914), a collector[more].
4. Irish Girl
In 1902-1903 Dorothy Seton, model [more], posed for Dorothy Seton (YMSM 551) and Dorothy Seton - A Daughter of Eve (YMSM 552) as well as for lithographs. According to Pennell, JW painted Dorothy Seton - A Daughter of Eve (YMSM 552) in 1¾ hours one afternoon in May 1903 (see Pennell, Elizabeth Robins, and Joseph Pennell, The Life of James McNeill Whistler, 2 vols, London and Philadelphia, 1908, vol. 2, p. 291; Pennell, Elizabeth Robins, and Joseph Pennell, The Whistler Journal, Philadelphia, 1921, pp. 286-287).
5. The Neighbours
Balli bought Gold and Orange: The Neighbours (YMSM 423) for 400gns.