Fumette's Bent Head
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1893.74
Tags
About this artwork
2, 1
Art Historical Context
James McNeill Whistler, the American-born artist renowned for his Aestheticism and innovative prints, created *Fumette's Bent Head* in 1859 during his formative years in Paris. This intimate drypoint portrait captures the bent head of Fumette, one of Whistler's favorite models—a vivacious young Frenchwoman whose likeness appeared in several of his early works. At just 25, Whistler was experimenting with printmaking, drawing inspiration from French Realists like Courbet while developing his signature subtlety and tonal harmony. As a drypoint on a cancelled plate, the work showcases Whistler's ...