Description:

James Whistler
Paris, France, n.d.
James McNeill Whistler ALS Re: Studio Rental, With Bonus Bronze Plaquette After V.D. Brenner!
ALS with plaquette

A handsome display dedicated to American expatriate artist James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903), comprised of a 1p autograph letter signed by Whistler as "J McN. Whistler," and a bas relief bronze plaquette after Victor D. Brenner, ca. 1905, created to commemorate a collective exhibition of Whistler's works in Paris, London, and Boston. The letter is displayed above the plaquette and both are matted and framed behind glass. Not examined out of the frame. The sight size of the letter is 5.75" x 4" and the sight size of the plaquette is 3.375" x 2.5." The overall size of the frame (with cutaway section revealing the reverse of the plaquette) is 11.875" x 13.375" x 1.375."

The display includes:

1. A 1p autograph letter signed by Whistler as "J McN. Whistler" at the bottom right. N.d. Written at the Hotel Foyot, 33 Rue Tournon, Paris, France. Inscribed on paper with embossed letterhead, "21, Cheyne Walk / Chelsea," struck through at upper right. With one contemporaneous edit, a crossed-out work on the third line. Expected wear including moderate toning and flattened transmittal folds, some with closed tears. A closed tear found in the upper right quadrant affects two words. Adhesive traces found near the bottom. Whistler's signature is a little light but still legible. Else good to very good. The sight size of the letter is 5.75" x 4."

Whistler wrote this letter to one "Mr. Hanson," from whom he had rented an art studio. In full, with original usage:

"Hotel Foyot / 33 Rue Tournon Paris

Dear Mr Hanson - I am very sorry that in the past week I should have come away without sending you the enclosed cheque for your studio - and now I cannot lay my hand upon your address - but this will be forwarded to you -

Write to me here that I may know that you have received the cheque all right

J McN. Whistler."

The digital collection of the Correspondence of James McNeill Whistler hosted by the University of Glasgow does not immediately reveal any correspondents named "Hanson" in its collection, nor is the letter cross-referenceable with any collection subject listings related to studios or studio rentals. More research is definitely needed!

2. A bronze plaquette after Russian-born American engraver and medalist Victor David Brenner (1871-1924) dedicated to Whistler and his artistic career. N.d. but ca. 1905. On the obverse is a portrait of Whistler, along with his butterfly device, reading: "James McNeill Whistler / Painter Etcher Author" and on the obverse is found the quote "Messieurs Les Ennemis" with another butterfly device and richly feathered peacock. Artist signed in the mold as "V.D. Brenner" and as "V.D. Brenner, Jr" on both sides. Given dimensions and weight are 89.7mm x 65.4mm and 178.8 grams. Reference: Smedley 62; Baxter 127; Marqusee 65.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: framed: 11.875" x 13.375" x 1.375"
  • Medium: ALS with plaquette

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March 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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