"He was the son of Lalouette, who kept a pension near the Rue Dauphine, at which Whistler. Legros, Fantin, and others used to take their meals in those early days."-Whistler's Etchings, by Frederick Wedmore I N introducing the subject of Whistler as an etcher I cannot do so better than by citing the opinion of the man whom I believe to be the best living authority on the subject. I mean Joseph Pennell, the American artist and critic, who was the stanch friend of Whistler to the end, and who, in collaboration with his distinguished wife, is now writing a biography of the master which must prove to be the standard for all time to come, although other biographies are also in preparation. "There is no man so fit for the sea as a sailor," and there is no man so competent to write on the etch ings of Whistler as is a brother etcher, who not only knows a fine etching when he sees it, but goes beyond the intelligent outsider by also knowing just why, from a technical and constructive point of view, the etching is so signally good. Mr. Pennell's superlatives in writing of Whistler's etchings are not the words of some irresponsible enthusiast, but the words of a recognized critical authority. Here, then, is a condensed extract of what Mr. Pennell has written in a London magazine on the subject of Whis that he has discussed with the question of sing needing $150 at once, cond my you my Carlyle picture for sicurly, paying with interest 400- altogether, altogether, for which I would goo you ample security of your choice mily arrangs with Howell tomon 66 PART OF A LETTER WRITTEN BY WHISTLER IN 1878 In it he offers his famous Carlyle portrait as security for a loan of one hundred and fifty pounds perfect, as a whole, that any etcher has ever accomplished." After the death of Whistler in 1903 Mr. Pennell also wrote of him, in the North American Review: The greatest artist of modern times is dead. These are strong words, and I mean them to be. No one since Velasquez and Rembrandt has had such an effect on the art of the world. He knew he was making great art. He was so sure of it that, even during his lifetime, he compelled an unwilling public to few years in France, he followed American affairs with the feelings and the emotions of a patriot. No tribute that can be bestowed upon him by the United States will be too great for his glory." I quote liberally from Mr. Pennell because I heartily concur with his opinions on this subject. Artists are supposed to be, in general, jealous of one another; but the intimate intercourse of Mr. and Mrs. Pennell with Whistler shows us a beautiful example of absolute |