The Paintings of James McNeill Whistler
M.0115
Copy of topographical convention signs
Date
Copy of topographical convention signs dates from 1852, when Whistler studied under Robert Walter Weir (1803-1889) at West Point.
It is fully catalogued in MacDonald 1995 (cat. rais.) [more] (cat. no. 115).
Images
Copy of topographical convention signs, whereabouts unknown
Subject
Description
According to Thomas Wilson (1832-1901):
'The models which cadets copy when they enter the drawing class at West Point are known as "topographical convention signs." They illustrate the mode of depicting, with pen and ink, the various topographical features of a country, such as water, hills, trees, cultivated ground, etc. In a much shorter time than seemed possible, Whistler had finished the copy of the model given to him, and his work was most exquisite, far surpassing the model itself in accuracy and beauty of execution.' 1
Technique
Technique
The course headings given in the Regulations of the Military Academy, comprised, 'Elements of the human figure ... Landscape with pen ... Landscape in India ink, and elements of Topography with pen, pencil, India ink and colors', and Whistler's master, Robert Walter Weir (1803-1889), defined his Course of Instruction as follows:
'1) Geographical signs; 1) topographical delineation of rocks and hills, wild and uncultivated ground; rivers, lakes, marshes; 3) formation of letters; 4) course of topography with brush laying flat, broken and blended tints, shading mountains, rocks, trees, and other objects. 5) the course in freehand work begins with outline drawings of human figure and outline drawings from Flaxman and Retzsch.' 2
History
Provenance
- 1852: drawn at USMA West Point.
Further history is unknown. See MacDonald 1995 (cat. rais.) [more] (cat. no. 115).
Bibliography
Catalogues Raisonnés
- MacDonald, Margaret F., James McNeill Whistler. Drawings, Pastels and Watercolours. A Catalogue Raisonné, New Haven and London, 1995 (cat. no. 115) as 'Copy of topographical convention signs'.
Books on Whistler
- Fleming, Gordon, The Young Whistler 1834-66, London, Boston, Sydney, 1978, pp. 95-96.
Journals 1906-Present
- Wilson, Thomas, 'Whistler at West Point', Book Buyer, vol. 17, no. 2, 1898, p. 114.
Notes:
1: Wilson, Thomas, 'Whistler at West Point', Book Buyer, vol. 17, no. 2, 1898, p. 114.
2: Weir, Irene, Robert W. Weir, New York 1947, pp.70-2). Flem1978 [more], pp. 95-96.