Aet. 43, to Harry Cust, editor of the Pall Mall Gazette. The controversy cited in this letter began in December 1893. Lady Sybil Eden wanted her portrait painted by James McNeill Whistler. Inquiries were made through the Goupil Gallery and it was learned Whistler would accept a commission of £550.
Lady Sybil’s husband Sir William Eden asked George Moore, who spent that Christmas with the Edens in Paris, to negotiate with the artist for a lower fee. They reached an informal agreement for a small watercolor priced £100-£150.
By 14 February 1894 an oil portrait entitled Brun et Or was nearly finished. On that day in Whistler’s studio, Sir William viewed the painting and handed the artist a sealed envelope. After Eden left Whistler discovered a cheque for £100 enclosed in a Valentine greeting.
Eden’s payment of the minimum that had been negotiated infuriated Whistler, who promptly wrote a sarcastic letter of thanks for the Valentine. The next day Eden returned to the studio, his aristocratic pride ruffled by Whistler’s sarcasm, and defended his behavior with the explanation that a man was a fool if he avoided a bargain.
Whistler declined an additional £50, but promised to deliver the portrait after adding a few finishing touches. It was not delivered. Instead Whistler kept the portrait, even sent it to the 1894 Salon, and ignored Eden’s requests for the picture.
At some point Whistler painted over Lady Sybil’s head and endeavoured to refund the £100 “Valentine,” but Eden insisted on having the picture.
The dispute was eventually heard in a Parisian court on 27 February 1895. On 20 March 1895 Whistler was ordered to give the painting to Eden, refund the £100, and pay £40 damages.
A subscription was started by several English and French artists while Whistler appealed the verdict.
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