Becquet (The Fiddler)

Becquet was the only portrait in Whistler’s so-called "Thames Set," which was otherwise a collection of views along the wharves, bridges, and other areas bordering London’s river. In some accounts Becquet is described as a sculptor as well as a fiddler. In this etching, however, his attribute is indeed the "fiddle," or wispily-suggested cello, that he holds between his knees. All of the "Thames Set" etchings reflect Whistler’s interest at this period in the differences in clarity between focal and peripheral areas, as happens in optical perception. The delicate drypoint medium was ideally suited for these nuances, as well as for an aura of rarity. Only a few good impressions could be made before the copper plate wore down and the subtle tonal effects were lost.