James McNeill Whistler

Etching and drypoint, 1879, fifth state (of seven) of this rare print, printed with a light veil of plate tone, signed in pencil with the large shaded butterfly and inscribed 'imp', titled and dedicated to James Waddell, on laid paper with a Strasbourg Lily watermark, with wide margins, in good condition apart from a fox mark in the center of the barges at bottom, the margins with slight soiling, pale mat stain, framed

The print is in good condition as catalogued. The fox mark in the lower image 1 1/4 inches above the lower plate mark is dark but small. There are two additional fox marks in the extreme lower right corner of the plate and in the margin at right. The margins have surface soiling throughout as well as pale mat stain, darkest at the mat opening. The sheet edges are trimmed irregularly.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

When James Abbott McNeill Whistler declared bankruptcy on May 7, 1879, accountant James Waddell of J. Waddell and Co. was appointed to oversee the reclamation of his artworks by the London Bankruptcy court. Pursuing his duty, Waddell forewarned Whistler than any paintings, drawings, or prints that were scratched need not be relinquished to his creditors at which point Whistler is said to have marred many of his works to remain in his possession or in the hands of friends and relatives.