Further observations on a paint box associated with Whistler in the Library of Congress

摘要

The authors of the recent Studies in Conservation article, 'Pigments in a Paint Box Belonging to Whistler in the Library of Congress' (FitzHugh, et al., 2011) recognise that six Spectrum Colors within the box date to after Whistler's death in 1903. It is possible to identify that the labels on a further six colors date to after the artist's death, those of Roberson & Co. Ltd, which date to 1907 or later (National Portrait Gallery, 2008) and Wilfred C. Kimber at 36 Bedford Place, London WC1, which date to 1922-24 (National Portrait Gallery, 2011; The Post Office London Directory with County Suburbs 1923, 1924) and so after the donation of the paint box to the Library of Congress in 1917. Thus, 12 out of 24 colours within the box labeled with the supplier's name date to after Whistler's death. In the circumstances, it is open to question whether this box provides reliable information into the pigments the artist used.