Etching and drypoint printed in black on antique, cream laid paper, 1860. 275x195 mm; 10 7/8x7 3/4 inches, small margins. MacDonald's second state (of 6), with the drypoint lines in the sky distinct and before the completion of the boat hull between the two seated men. Signed with the butterfly and inscribed "imp." in pencil, lower left; and counter signed and inscribed "rare proof" in pencil, verso. Ex-collection Bernard Buchanan MacGeorge, Glasgow, with the ink stamp (Lugt 394, verso; according to Lugt, MacGeorge possessed an impressive collection of Whistler proofs, which were acquired in 1902 by H. Wunderlich & Co., later Kennedy & Co., New York); and John H. Wrenn, Chicago, with the ink stamp (Lugt 1475, verso). A brilliant, richly-inked and early impression with velvety burr, with very strong contrasts and with all the delicate lines in the sky distinct.
Though according to MacDonald, "An important etching--a landmark in Whistler's career--and over 100 impressions are recorded," there are few early state impressions, such as the current lot, before the completion of the boat lower center. She cites one other second state, pencil signed impression like this impression, which is now at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Kennedy 66; Glasgow 70.
