Michael, Whistler is known as a very important etcher and printmaker as well as a painter. What is etching?
Although he is most famous for his portrait of his mother, artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903) is also acknowledged as the finest etcher since Rembrandt. Etching is an intaglio printing process whereby an artist draws with a steel needle-like instrument into the surface of a copper, zinc or steel plate which has been inked or varnished. The theory of etching is that when the plate is covered with an acid resisting ground it will resist the acid, “biting” the etched lines which make possible a fluid and calligraphic manner of drawing. After the plate has been “bitten” and washed with water, it is ready to be inked and printed. An artist studies the first proof or impression from the press, making subsequent changes, and “pulls” a new series of proofs. The later impressions are called “second states of the print”. Several states can be produced until the final run of impressions is authorized by the artist.

From Whistler comes the custom of signing the print in pencil. When the initials and/or signature of an artist are printed simultaneously with each impression, it signifies that each print is “signed in the plate”. Some of the finest treasures of etched prints fall into this category. When time has elapsed between first and subsequent printing, and if no alterations have been made in the plate, they may be “re-issued” and become “restrikes”, although they rarely possess the brilliance of the earlier impressions. Restrikes are considered an original work of art since they are printed from the plate of the first edition, although when considerable time has elapsed dates should be indicated.

How important are Whistler’s etchings?
Whistler (1834-1903) was a major figure in renewing popular interest in intaglio printmaking in Europe during the mid-19th century. He had seen William Hogarth’s prints as a boy living in Russia. Later, Seymour Haden, his brother-in-law, introduced him to the images of Hollar and Rembrandt. Exposure to these old masters acted as a catalyst on Whistler and was partially responsible for his choosing a career as an artist. He learned etching while employed at the U.S. Coast Survey, but only started to use the technique aesthetically after his arrival in Paris in 1855. Over the next quarter century, the artist continued to refine his etching technique. His style evolved from one based on Realism to a more personal aesthetic that revealed his highly adept skills as a printer. Over his lifetime, he produced nearly 450 prints, 20 of which are in our permanent collection and 14 are currently on display.

Are the paintings left on display during private functions?
Yes, the art collection is essential to the elegant settings the WHMA offers for weddings, corporate and other private functions. Imagine having your reception or your corporate sales strategy meeting while surrounded by art treasures and antiques!

What is the background on the Whistler’s statue in the Whistler Sculpture Park?
The statue of James Abbott McNeill Whistler was presented on October 10, 2002, in memory of the artist’s 100th anniversary and the statue’s designer, Mico Kaufman, was honored. A resident of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, Mico’s art is on display throughout the United States and Europe. Some of his most inspiring public works are in Tewksbury and Lowell, including Debussey, the Wamesit Indian, Homage to Women. He is recipient of many artistic awards, including one from the American Numismatic Society. (For more information, visit www.sculpturesbymico.com)

(Sources: Taft Museum, Cincinnati; University of Louisiana Lafayette; Antiques & Art Around Florida, Lorena Overstreet Allen, M.Ed., ISA)