James Abbott McNeill WhistlerAmerican, 1834–1903Two Sketches
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Not on view at present
Where is “Two Sketches” now? Collection: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
In contrast to lithographs made directly on lithographic stones, images for transfer are drawn in lithographic crayon on paper that is specifically coated to allow the drawings to be transferred to stones for professional printing. Whistler first tried the medium in 1878/79 and from 1887 onward used the transfer process almost exclusively to make his lithographs. Whistler’s printers, Thomas and Robert Way provided the specially prepared paper.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Details
- Accession number
- 2004.674
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — CC0
In the life of James Abbott McNeill Whistler
The whole life1877
Libel Suit Against Ruskin
In 1877 Whistler sued the critic John Ruskin, who had condemned his "Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket," demanding 1,000 pounds in damages. Because of the criticism, his works fell out of favour.
25 – 26 November 1878
The Trial of Whistler v. Ruskin
On 25–26 November 1878 the suit was heard in the High Court. The jury returned a verdict in Whistler's favour but awarded damages of one farthing, and costs were split between the parties.
8 May 1879
Bankruptcy
Legal costs and debts from the construction of the White House on Tite Street forced Whistler to declare bankruptcy on 8 May 1879; his collection, possessions, and house went to auction.
September 1879
Trip to Venice
After the trial, Whistler accepted a commission for twelve etchings and arrived in Venice in September 1879. The three-month trip stretched to fourteen months: over 50 etchings, nocturnes, and more than 100 pastels.
