UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW

System Number: 01947
Date: 12 September 1863
Author: Carel Vosmaer^[1]
Place: The Hague
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler H48
Document Type: MsLS^[2]

[written by JW at top left:] 'Letter from the Secretary - confirming the Gold Medal for my etchings^[3] -

At a time when they slightingly looked upon and even refused at the Academy^[4] this was the opinion in Holland, the birth place of Rembrandt^[5] -'

Monsieur,

La Commission Directrice de l'exposition des beaux-arts à la Haÿe a l'honneur de vous faire parvenir la médaille que le Jury vous a decernée.

Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, l'assurance de ma consideration distinguée -
Au nom de la Commission
le Secrétaire.

C Vosmaer

La Haÿe,
ce 12 Septembre 1863

Monsieur J. Whistler -

This document is protected by copyright.

Translation:

Dear Sir,

The Managing Committee of the exhibition of fine arts at the Hague has the honour to enclose the gold medal which the Jury has awarded to you.

Yours faithfully
In the name of the Committee
Secretary

C Vosmaer

Mr. J. Whistler -

Notes:

1.  Carel Vosmaer
Carel Vosmaer (1826-1888), etcher and writer on art [more]. See also JW's previous letter to Vosmaer, on 25 June 1863 (#09504).

2.  MsLS
The letter was written by a secretary, signed by Vosmaer, and a note added at the top by JW.

3.  Gold Medal for my etchings
JW's Thames etchings were awarded a gold medal at the Tentoonstelling van Kunstwerken van Levende Meesters, Hague School of Art, Princessegracht, 1863.

4.  Academy
The etchings had a better reception in the Hague than in London, but as far as is known they were not actually rejected by the Royal Academy. However, JW's oil painting, Symphony in White, No. I: The White Girl (YMSM 38) was rejected for the 94th Exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts, Royal Academy, London, 1862.

5.  Rembrandt
Rembrandt Harmens van Rijn (1606-1669), painter and etcher [more].