Titles

One main title has been suggested, plus a descriptive one:

• 'Eve' (1898, Whistler). 1
• 'Eve with an Apple' (1899, Whistler). 2
• 'Eve' (1980, YMSM). 3

Description

Presumably a study of a nude woman holding an apple.

Whistler described a painting as 'nude figure begun from Lillie Pettigrew - a sort of Eve with an Apple in her hand.' 4

Study of the Nude, The Hunterian

In this letter Whistler sketched the pictures he wanted, Two paintings of nudes [M.1601] and although they appear to show full-length nudes, possibly similar to Study of the Nude [YMSM 493], they are not detailed enough to identify the painting of 'Eve'.

Sitter

Portrait Study of Lily Pettigrew, The Hunterian

According to Whistler Lilian Pettigrew (b. 1870), posed for a version of 'Eve' though not necessarily the same one mentioned to Heinemann.

E.L. Sambourne, Hetty Pettigrew, photograph,Leighton House

The three Pettigrew sisters, Bessie ('Hetty'), the oldest, Rose the youngest, and Lily were very popular as models; a photograph of them by Edward Linley Sambourne (1844-1910) is reproduced above. Their mother brought them to London when Lily was about 14. In her memoirs Rose described her sister Lily as having 'most beautiful curly red hair, violet eyes, a beautiful mouth, classic nose, and beautifully shaped face, long neck, well set, and a most exquisite figure; in fact, she was perfection!' 5

Ethel Warwick holding an apple, The Hunterian

Another model, Ethel Warwick (1882-1951), posed nude for the pastel Ethel Warwick holding an apple [M.1605], but if she represents an 'Eve' this is a radical re-interpretation of the subject.

Dorothy Seton - A Daughter of Eve, The Hunterian

Finally, Whistler's last model, Dorothy Seton (fl. 1885-1900) posed fully clothed, holding an apple, for another painting that references Eve: Dorothy Seton - A Daughter of Eve [YMSM 552].