James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903), the American-born master of tonal painting and one of the sharpest wits in the history of art, delivers a characteristically barbed note to a "Mrs. George" signed with his famous butterfly monogram. The ANS reads in full: "A little tribute, dear Mrs. George — proceeding 'from time to time from incompetent mediocrity' — a 'combination which this debased & ignorant person' trusts it may not be 'a trouble for any lady to notice'." The quoted phrases are drawn from critical reviews of Whistler's own work, here gleefully repurposed and weaponized with his signature irony.
Whistler spent his career in open warfare with critics, most famously suing John Ruskin for libel after Ruskin called his painting the work of a "coxcomb." The butterfly monogram, which Whistler used in place of a conventional signature on both his paintings and his correspondence, makes this one of the most visually distinctive Whistler documents a collector could acquire.
ANS, one page, black ink, approximately 4 x 2.5 inches, undated; signed with Whistler's butterfly monogram (IMG_217.jpg). Light toning; paper sound; overall very good condition. Estimate: $2,500-$4,000.
This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.