Live Auction 2583American Art
James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903)
Lot 51

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903)

Penthouse of the Public House in St. Ives, Cornwall

Closed25 September 2012

Price Realised

USD 27,500

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903)
Penthouse of the Public House in St. Ives, Cornwall
watercolor on paper
6½ x 4½ in. (16.5 x 11.4 cm.)

The artist.
Walter Sickert, acquired from the above.
Hesslein, acquired from the above, 1905.
Private collection, Portland Oregon, by 1984.
Private collection, Nevada.
Roger Abbott, Cottage Grove, Oregon.
Private collection, Eugene, Oregon, acquired from the above, 1986.

Specialist note

According to Dr. Margaret MacDonald, the present work was likely executed by James McNeill Whistler while sitting with his companion and fellow artist, Walter Sickert, at Barnoon Terrace, St. Ives. Hence the broad brushwork, which is characteristic of sketches Whistler completed while outside the studio. This watercolor depicts the Globe Inn, a public house, with figures sitting along Doble's wall, where the locals would gather to gossip. Attached to the Globe Inn was a 'pent-house,' which today would be considered a lean-to.