GAJS.COM Web Catalogue James Whistler

“I deeply regret my forced absence from the dinner given to Monsieur Rodin—for whom we all have such profound admiration.”

WHISTLER, JAMES ABBOTT MCNEILL. (1834-1903). American painter and etcher. Autograph Letter Signed, “J. McNeil Whistler,” on black-bordered mourning stationery. Three pages, octavo. No place, no date [before May 15, 1902]. Very fine condition. To “Mr. John Seward, Esq., Hon. Secretary.” Whistler writes:

“Dear Sir, I deeply regret my forced absence from the dinner given to Monsieur Rodin—for whom we all have such profound admiration. The persistent weather of this otherwise graciously inclined, and clearly artistic island, has, for the time being, destroyed me! I beg therefore to send, through you, my greetings, to my friend, and most distinguished confrere, and my best wishes for the evening. May I take this occasion to convey to the Chairman and gentlemen of the Committee my sincere felicitations on their success in securing this Chef d’amore[?]. And I have the honour to be, dear Sir, your obedient servant, J. McNeil Whistler.”

Whistler’s relationship with Auguste Rodin began in 1898, when Whistler, the newly elected president of the International Society of Printers and Gravers, showcased the French sculptors’ work at the society’s yearly exhibition. Championed by many artists, including J.S. Sargent and Whistler himself, Rodin quickly became the toast of London, and, on May 15, 1902, his 1878 bronze, St. John the Baptist, was permanently installed at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Immediately following this, the above mentioned banquet was held at London’s Café Royal. As our letter shows, Whistler was too ill to attend the event, missing not only the official ceremony, but the unofficial honor bestowed upon Rodin when the students of the Slade School of Art harnessed themselves to his carriage and dragged it through the streets of London! Rodin refused to depart London without paying a visit to his friend and early supporter, lunching privately with the recuperating Whistler two days later. Upon Whistler’s death in 1903, Rodin succeeded him as president of the International Society, and received a commission from the group for a commemorative statue to be erected in Whistler’s memory at the Chelsea Embankment. Rodin began work on the monument in 1905, creating a study he called Whistler’s Muse, modeled after Gwen John, Rodin’s mistress and Whistler’s former student. These preliminary studies brought Rodin acclaim in Paris, but the work was put on hold at the outset of the First World War and Rodin died before it could be completed.


“I deeply regret my forced absence from the dinner given to Monsieur Rodin—for whom we all have such profound admiration.” WHISTLER, JAMES ABBOTT MCNEILL. (1834-1903). American painter and etcher. Autograph Letter Signed, “J. McNeil Whistler,” on black-bordered mourning stationery. Three pages, octavo. No place, no date [before May 15, 1902]. Very fine condition. To “Mr. John Seward, Esq., Hon. Secretary.” Whistler writes: “Dear Sir, I deeply regret my forced absence from the dinner given to Monsieur Rodin—for whom we all have such profound admiration. The persistent weather of this otherwise graciously inclined, and clearly artistic island, has, for the time being, destroyed me! I beg therefore to send, through you, my greetings, to my friend, and most distinguished confrere, and my best wishes for the evening. May I take this occasion to convey to the Chairman and gentlemen of the Committee my sincere felicitations on their success in securing this Chef d’amore[?]. And I have the honour to be, dear Sir, your obedient servant, J. McNeil Whistler.” Whistler’s relationship with Auguste Rodin began in 1898, when Whistler, the newly elected president of the International Society of Printers and Gravers, showcased the French sculptors’ work at the society’s yearly exhibition. Championed by many artists, including J.S. Sargent and Whistler himself, Rodin quickly became the toast of London, and, on May 15, 1902, his 1878 bronze, St. John the Baptist, was permanently installed at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Immediately following this, the above mentioned banquet was held at London’s Café Royal. As our letter shows, Whistler was too ill to attend the event, missing not only the official ceremony, but the unofficial honor bestowed upon Rodin when the students of the Slade School of Art harnessed themselves to his carriage and dragged it through the streets of London! Rodin refused to depart London without paying a visit to his friend and early supporter, lunching privately with the recuperating Whistler two days later. Upon Whistler’s death in 1903, Rodin succeeded him as president of the International Society, and received a commission from the group for a commemorative statue to be erected in Whistler’s memory at the Chelsea Embankment. Rodin began work on the monument in 1905, creating a study he called Whistler’s Muse, modeled after Gwen John, Rodin’s mistress and Whistler’s former student. These preliminary studies brought Rodin acclaim in Paris, but the work was put on hold at the outset of the First World War and Rodin died before it could be completed. For more details or to buy this item, please contact us. $2,500
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