He was among the first of many followers of James Abbott McNeill Whistler and struck up a close relationship with the American-born artist from 1882. The composition, monochrome colour harmonies and stylistic treatment of 'Study' demonstrate an unmistakable homage to Whistler; important not only in terms of the artist's personal development but equally representative of a much wider trend within British art at the end of the 19th century. This work is a good, early example of StarrÂ’s work. It's intimate scale and quiet character is different stylistically to the other 4 works by Starr held by Hull Museums.

Provenance

Private collection, London; Rosebery's auctioneers, 2007; Ted Few, London; Nicholas Bagshawe, London. The work has been vetted by the Art Loss Register.