Object details
Accession number
10.b.3.17
Creators
Full title
Eden versus Whistler: The Baronet & the Butterfly
Creation Date
1899
Language
English
Publication Place
Paris
Provenance
Gift from James McNeill Whistler to Isabella Stewart Gardner about 1899.
Marks
Inscribed and signed (in ink): To Mrs. Gardner - Whose appreciation of the work of Art is only equalled by her understanding of the Artist! [with butterfly signature]
Dimensions
26 x 19.7 cm (10 1/4 x 7 3/4 in.)
Display Media
Printed ink on paper
Web Commentary
This book records, in an innovative and entertaining way, a lawsuit between Whistler and Sir William Eden, who had commissioned Whistler to paint a portrait of his wife but would not agree to the artist’s fee. Whistler signed this book with his hallmark butterfly signature and added a brief tribute to Isabella: “To Mrs. Gardner—Whose appreciation of the work of Art is only equalled by her understanding of the Artist!”
Permanent Gallery Location
Blue Room
Bibliography
Isabella Stewart Gardner. A Choice of Books from the Library of Isabella Stewart Gardner, Fenway Court (Boston, 1906), p. 70.
Rights and reproductions
The use of images, text, and all other media found on this website is limited. Please review Rights and Reproductions for details.