Page 251 - Swann Galleries - Old Master Through Modern Prints - Sale 2312 - May 1, 2013

319A ● JAMES A. M.WHISTLER
The Thames.
Lithograph on Chine appliqué, 1896. 265x195 mm; 101 /2 x73/4 inches, full margins. Third
state (of 3). Edition of approximately only 12 in this state, from a total lifetime edition of
approximately 30 (in all 3 states); this impression on paper similar to other third state
impressions at the Art Institute of Chicago; the British Museum, London; and the Freer
Gallery of Art,Washington, DC. Printed by Henry Bray at T. R.Way, London. A brilliant,
luminous impression, with all the subtle tonal variations distinct.
This subject is among Whistler’s most technically complicated lithographs, created over
several months in early 1896 during whichWhistler and his dying wife, Beatrix, occupied
upper floor rooms at the Savoy Hotel overlooking the River Thames, London.
Commenting on Whistler’s dedication to this image, the artist’s printer,T. R.Way, noted
that, “He knew what he wanted to get, and nothing short of it would satisfy him, even if
the work had to be done over and over again; no trouble was too great for him to take.”
(Spink, p. 454).Way 125; Levy 180; Spink 161. [6,000/9,000]