James Abbott McNeill Whistler (American, 1834-1903), The Forge

etching and drypoint on laid paper, 1861, retains antique gallery label from the Old Print Shop, New York, matted and framed. Kennedy 68.
Platemark 7 1/2 x 12 3/8 in; Frame dimensions 18 1/4 x 23 in.
Purchased from the Old Print Shop, New York in 1914.
From the Art Collection of Howard R. Guild, Sr., Boston, Massachusetts, By Descent through the Family
Howard R. Guild, Sr. (1867-1944) was a major collector of etchings by Whistler, Rembrandt, Gallagher, Meryon and Hayden. He held the largest private collection of Whistler prints in the United States until over twenty prints were donated by his grandson, Alden Guild, to the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College in the 1990’s. The Hood Museum graciously matted the remaining Whistler prints, which will be offered here at auction in early 2024.

Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Guild became a paper and twine merchant following his graduation form Harvard University. He credited his time in this profession to his love of graphic works. In addition to his donation to Dartmouth's Hood Museum, Guild donated significant works to other major art institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard University, Yale University.
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

Good estate condition; margins with some light toning, few spots, and slight sheet waviness; not examined out of frame.