James Abbott McNeill Whistler (American, 1834–1903) The Courtyard, Brussels 1887. One of only several (at least seven) known impressions. Pencil signed with the Artist's butterfly monogram and inscribed ‘imp’ on tab bottom left, with Pro Patria watermark, etching on cream laid paper Sheet size: 8 1/2 x 4 7/8 in. (21.6 x 12.4cm) [Kennedy 355; Mansfield 353; Wedmore 250] Provenance Scholle Collection (per inscription verso). Private Collection, New Jersey. Footnote: Note The present work is one of twelve etchings Whistler completed during his trip to Brussels in September 1887. While the exact locale depicted in the etching remains unknown, it is thought to be near the Grand Place, where Whistler stayed and worked. Part of the Brussels Set, the print was never published by a dealer. Instead, it sold over a short amount of time in fairly limited numbers. According to Margaret F. MacDonald, only seven other impressions are known, including those now in the Art Institute, Chicago; the Cleveland Museum of Art; Colby College Museum of Art; Freer Art Gallery, Washington, DC; The Hunterian Art Gallery, Glasgow; the Library of Congress, Washington, DC; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Condition report: In overall very good condition. The print is affixed to the undermat at upper right and bottom right corners via paper hinges. Hence, the work flips from left to right, as a book. We notice remnants of papet hinges at the other two corners, suggesting the work was once affixed to the undermat at all four corners. With no sign of restoration ore repair: all the edges are intact, with no apparent tear. Without any surface soiling. Some inscription on the verso of the sheet, and with a circular pattern inprinted at bottom left. Frame: 21 x 17 x 1 in.