WHISTLER, James Abbott McNeill (1834-1903). American painter and etcher.
Autograph Letter Signed, signed with his butterly device, to 'My dear Simpson', 2 sides of a correspondence-card, 21 Cheyne Walk, no date. Regretting that he would be unable to see Simpson during his time in London, and adding that 'My wife sends her best thanks about the window'.

'I had your very nice & kind note - which I promptly mislaid and so could not remember your travelling address. But I think you said you would be passing through town again today or tomorrow - and alas! mon cher ami, both today and Saturday we are driving out - and tomorrow I have some men at a club. ...'

Whistler had inscribed his Nocturne in Blue and Green (1871) with a butterfly, which became a kind of trademark. He regularly signed his letters with the device, and the present letter shows a particularly good example.
[No: 25291]