James McNeill Whistler and Henry Belfond
Stéphane Mallarmé
1892, published 1893
Scroll
Physical Qualities
Crayon transfer lithograph, Sheet: 171 × 115 mm. (6 3/4 × 4 1/2 in.)
Image: 98 × 70 mm. (3 7/8 × 2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
The George A. Lucas Collection, purchased with funds from the State of Maryland, Laurence and Stella Bendann Fund, and contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations throughout the Baltimore community
Object Number
1996.48.8320
Mallarmé hailed this portrait, which appeared in Vers et Prose (1893), a small volume of his poetry, as “the best thing that has ever been done of me.” The poet takes a moment’s pause from reading the book that he holds on his lap, and looks out at us. Mallarmé’s friend Theodore Duret cited the natural quality of this portrait, saying, “Those who have known him can believe they hear him speak.”
The Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 1996; The Maryland Institute College of Art,
through Henry Walters, Baltimore, by bequest 1909; from George A. Lucas, Paris
through Henry Walters, Baltimore, by bequest 1909; from George A. Lucas, Paris
The Maryland Institute, Baltimore, Nov. 3 - 24, 1968.
Jay Fisher, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "The Prints of James A. McNeill Whistler from the Museum Collection," February 14-April 1, 1984.
Doreen Bolger, BMA, "Edgar Allan Poe: A Baltimore Icon," 4 October 2009 - 17 January 2010.
Jay Fisher, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "The Prints of James A. McNeill Whistler from the Museum Collection," February 14-April 1, 1984.
Doreen Bolger, BMA, "Edgar Allan Poe: A Baltimore Icon," 4 October 2009 - 17 January 2010.
Inscribed: Signed in matrix: lower right "[butterfly]"
Markings: Collector's stamp: verso "M.I. / LUCAS / COLLECTION" (Lugt 1695c)
