James Abbott McNeill Whistler (American, 1834-1903).
The Little Lagoon, 1879-80.
Etching and drypoint on Japan paper, signed with his butterfly and inscribed 'imp' in pencil in the margin and monogramed within the plate, printed with light plate tone, a fine impression of MacDonald's third state (of 4), with wide margins, framed.
8 7/8 x 6in. (22.6 x 15.2cm/plate).
9 7/8 x 6 1/2in. (25.1 x 16.5cm/sheet).
16 x 12 1/4in. (40.6 x 31cm/frame).
Literature: Kennedy 186; Glasgow 216.

In 1879, The Fine Art Society, London, commissioned Whistler to produce a series of twelve etchings of Venice. His Venetian sojourn marked the beginning of an extremely fruitful period for the artist. He ended up extending his stay to fourteenth months instead of the intended three months and produced fifty etchings, a selection which of were published in the two series known as the First and Second Venice Sets. The Little Lagoon was first exhibited at The Fine Art Society in December 1880, and published in the First Venice Set in 1881.
Condition: Scattered specks of foxing, mostly in the upper quadrant, light creases along sheet edges, otherwise in good condition. Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For a detailed condition report or to request additional images, please email the gallery directly at auctions@finesf.com. Condition report requests received after 5pm the day before the sale are not guaranteed. Shipping is not included. Please bid accordingly, as all sales are final, no returns are accepted on basis of condition.