Documents associated with: pastel, prices
Record 11 of 12
System Number: 03244
Date: 21 November [1894][1]
Author: JW
Place: Paris
Recipient: Alexander Reid[2]
Place: [Glasgow]
Repository: Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Call Number: FGA Whistler 216
Credit Line: Charles Lang Freer Papers, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.: Gift of the Estate of Charles Lang Freer
Document Type: ALS[3]
110. Rue du Bac - Paris
Nov. 21.
Dear Mr Reid -
I have been so overwhelmed with work and law matters[4] - that I have had not [a] moment before in which I could tell you that your propositions about the pastel[5] is no such simple matter as you seem to think -
The picture is complete as it stands - and so far simple enough, if you like -
But to change it by the further work you suggest, is quite another affair -
I should have to take a model and [p. 2] look over the whole thing - and the end of it would be a new picture that I might as well do on a new paper -
However - one thing is quite certain -
If any wants to buy - he ought to take it as it is - If he doesn't he ought not to have it at all!
What do you want for it anyhow? -
You might let me know -
I think it very pretty - and wouldn't mind having it - if I can afford it -
Very faithfully
J McN Whistler
This document is protected by copyright.
Notes:
1. 21 November [1894]
Year dated from reference to 'law matters'.
2. Alexander Reid
Alexander Reid (1854-1936), Glasgow dealer [more].
3. ALS
A copy made in the hand of Rosalind Birnie Philip (1873-1958), JW's sister-in-law [more], is in GUL Whistler LB 4/78/2-79/1.
4. law matters
JW's dispute with Sir William Eden (1849-1915), painter and collector [more]; see #06212.
5. pastel
Possibly r.: The Fortune Teller; v.: A nude lying on a sofa (M.1274).