Titles

Whistler’s own title is not known, so the picture was given a descriptive title:

• ‘Sketch for a Self Portrait’ (1960, Arts Council). 1
• ‘Self-portrait’ (1980, YMSM). 2

‘Self-portrait’ is the generally accepted title.

Description

Self-Portrait, The Hunterian, GLAHA 46373

A head and shoulders portrait of the artist, in vertical format. His head, seen in three-quarter view to right, is slightly tilted to right (his left). The effect of the monocle is to distort his eye and provides him with a somewhat manic stare.

He wears a black jacket and cravat over a bright white collar. His hair is slightly curly, with a white lock just indicated at upper right. He has a broad moustache. The background is very dark.

Sitter

H. S. Mendelssohn, J. McN. Whistler, albumen print, 1884/1885, GUL Whistler PH1/108

H. S. Mendelssohn, J. McN. Whistler, 1884/1895, albumen print, GUL Whistler PH1/228

James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903). This is one of a series of self- portraits, possibly studies for Gold and Brown [YMSM 462].