Walter Greaves

(British, 1846-1930)

Portrait of James Abbott McNeill Whistler, 1871

oil on canvas

signed W. Greaves and dated (lower left); titled (on the stretcher)

44 x 34 1/2 in. (111.8 x 87.6cm)

Property from Atlanta History Center, Sold to Benefit the Care and Preservation of the Collections

Lot note:

Whistler’s portraits of his friends and fellow artists are some of my favorite paintings, so what a treat to see the tables turn with this portrait of Whistler himself by his neighbor, friend, and student Walter Greaves. While their relationship might not have been perfect, the wit with which Greaves has painted Whistler is as fascinating as their friendship.

-Calvine Harvey-

In 1863, Walter Greaves and his brother Henry met Whistler when he fortuitously became their neighbor at Lindsey Row in Chelsea. The brothers became Whistler's studio assistants, and would buy his art supplies and prepare his canvases and colors. Over the next fifteen years, they became his devoted followers. As Gordon Fleming states, "Whistler's domination over the brothers was total. They even tried to look like him. They wore hats, ties and gloves like his, and they grew little moustaches." (G. Fleming, James Abbott McNeill Whistler: A Life, St Martin's, New York, 1991, p. 100)

Greaves' most notable artistic success in 1910 was marred by widespread controversy. In a one-man show at the Goupil Gallery, London, he exhibited 50 paintings, which influential writer Clutton-Brock of The Times considered remarkable and original, and provided a glowing review for the relatively unknown painter. However, this unexpected achievement for the self proclaimed "pupil of Whistler," created an outrageous art scandal, venomously spearheaded by Whistler biographer Joseph Pennell. At his most vociferous, Pennell claimed many of the exhibited works were actually attributable to Whistler himself.

Portrait of James Abbott McNeill Whistler, 1871

Portrait of James Abbott McNeill Whistler, 1871