James Abbott McNeill Whistler

William Merritt Chase American

1885

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 771

On his way to Spain by way of London in 1885, Chase decided to introduce himself to James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903), whose art he had long admired. Whistler urged him to stay longer so they could paint portraits of one another. In depicting Whistler, Chase echoed characteristics of his subject’s recent portraits, such as that of Théodore Duret (13.20): a stylized figure, muted palette, fluid brushwork, and ambiguous space. Although Chase intended to honor Whistler and his style with these allusions, Whistler was offended, calling the work a "monstrous lampoon" and possibly destroying his portrait of Chase.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: James Abbott McNeill Whistler
Artist: William Merritt Chase (American, Williamsburg, Indiana 1849–1916 New York)
Date: 1885
Culture: American
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 74 1/8 x 36 1/4 in. (188.3 x 92.1 cm)
Credit Line: Bequest of William H. Walker, 1918
Object Number: 18.22.2
Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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