Portrait of James McNeil Whistler
Artist
Paul Adolphe Rajon
(French, 1843 - 1888)
Date1880
MediumLithograph
DimensionsImage Size: 9 3/8 × 7 3/8 in. (23.8 × 18.7 cm)
Frame Size: 16 7/8 × 14 1/8 in. (42.9 × 35.9 cm)
ClassificationsPrint
Object numberTFH021
DescriptionFrench artist Paul-Adolphe Rajon wore many hats throughout his life and career, starting off as a photographer, then a professional photo retoucher, and a printmaker, before finally making a name for himself in the art world. His signature subjects of choice were his fellow artists. Rajon enjoyed bringing focus to the old masters he admired. One of the most notable of these portraits depicts a then middle aged, James McNeill Whistler turning his head to look off to the side, avoiding the gaze of the viewer. Rajon’s attention to detail is exemplified in the small whisps of white hair that can be seen even through the simple black and white charcoal sketch. Whistler was quite fond of the piece and hung it for display in his home in London Whistler’s importance and contributions to Charles Lang Freer’s art collection are undeniable. His influence on Freer’s interest in Asian art can be seen spanning from the very early years of his collection far into the cementing of his status as one of the most premier art collectors in the world. Their close friendship led Freer to embark on a mission to preserve and pay homage to Whistler upon his death in 1903, going as far as to purchase the Peacock Room despite initial reservations about the dangers of transporting an entire room to his house.
It is no surprise, then, that a lithograph of this iconic portrait of Whistler should be put on display in Freer’s home continuing this legacy of friendship and appreciation for art. Wayne State University acquired this work through a charitable donation in 2025.
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