Identity:

Maître Albert Maeterlinck was an attorney in Antwerp. He was the cousin of the writer Maurice Polydore Marie Bernard Maeterlinck, whom JW described as the 'new Shakespeare' [#06601].

Life:

Maeterlinck acted for JW in his action against Sheridan Ford in 1890-91. His offices were located at 39 rue St Paul. He was described as 'une des lumieres du barreau anversois' and came under the recommendation of the advocate Edmond Picard. JW described him to Jules Stewart as fighting on his behalf 'most brilliantly' [#10552].

JW also found him to be 'most amiable and courteous' and his wife very hospitable [#13812]. In 1894 Maeterlinck liaised on JW's behalf with organisers of the Exposition Universelle des Beaux Arts in Antwerp, an exhibition to which JW contributed Arrangement in Black: Portrait of Señor Pablo de Sarasate (YMSM 315), among other works [#00190].

Bibliography:

http://artarchives.si.edu/exhibits/whistler (accessed 2004.6).