Magnificent and extremely desirable 10 x 7.5 albumen photo of Whistler’s 1866 work entitled ‘Crepuscule in Flesh Colour and Green: Valparaiso,’ affixed to an off-white 21 x 15.5 mount, signed on the mount in pencil, “Whistler,” adding his famous ‘butterfly’ signature below. In fine condition, with light edge toning and mild rippling to mount. From the from private collection of American painter Chauncey Ryder, whose work can be found at several institutions including the Whistler House Museum of Art. Whistler made a curious trip to Valparaiso, Chile, in 1866, where he observed the conflict resulting from the Spanish occupation of the Chincha Islands. When he arrived in early March, Whistler found a squadron of Spanish ships blockading the country's main harbor at Valparaiso, along with British, American, and French fleets present to induce peace. By the end of the month, Spain had announced its unwavering intent to bombard the city and the foreign peacekeepers were forced to withdraw in their own interest. This image is thought to depict the beginning of this withdrawal on the evening of March 30; Valparaiso was bombarded the next day, while Whistler had fled to the hills on horseback seeking safety. An absolutely remarkable image in a rare oversized format. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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