The Doorway & The Beggars from Mr Whistler's Etchings of Venice

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834 - 1903)

Fitzwilliam Museum

1879-1880

Whistler's Venetian etchings, etched over a year spent in Venice in 1879-80, are perhaps his most celebrated and influential works. The Doorway is one of the best of the closer architectural studies, and The Beggars is a particularly atmospheric example of the studies of figures in alleyways. These two etchings are from the 'First Venice Set'. They complement Long Lagoon from the 'Second Venice Set', which is the only Venetian print in the Fitzwilliam Museum's otherwise relatively comprehensive Whistler collection.

• Medium: etching & drypoint
• Dimensions: 1) 29.4 x 20cm; 2) 30.5 x 20.8cm
• Art Fund Grant: £25000 ( Total: £44,938)
• ArtFunded in: 2008
• Vendor: CG Boerner, New York

Provenance

1) H Wunderlich & Co/Kennedy & Co/Kennedy Galleries, New York; private collection, US; Christie's, 2007; CG Boerner, New York. 2) Kennedy Galleries; Colnaghi & Co; Kennedy Galleries, New York; private collection, US circa 1970-1973; Sotheby's, New York, 2004; private collection, US; CG Boerner, New York, 2007.

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