Venus

Venus. 1859. Etching and drypoint. Kennedy 59.ii; Glasgow 60.ii. 6 x 9 (sheet 8 x 11 3/16). Glasgow records 27 known impressions. There was no published edition. A very rich impression printed in black ink on fine Japanese mulberry paper. Signed and dated in the plate. 

During 1858-59, Whistler lived with the model, Héloise, in Rue Saint-Sulpice, Paris. Although Whistler had nicknamed her 'Fumette' in imitation of 'Musette', a character in Scènes de la vie de Bohème. A milliner's assistant, artist's model, and reciter of poetry, she was known throughout the Latin Quarter as "the tigress" (la tigresse) for her raging voice and dangerous temper. Their relationship was stormy.

One day in a fit of anger, she tore up a number of Whistler's drawings. This is one of three portraits he etched of her in 1859.

A selection of fine prints by Whistler is available on the Allinson Gallery, Inc. website.