Bibi Lalouette, 1859

This is a fine impression of the well known Whistler etching, Bibi Lalouette, created in 1859.  Cataloged as Kennedy 51, II/II  .  The image measures 9X6 inches, printed on a thin Japan type sheet,  "This curly-haired little boy sitting on the edge of a bed comes from a series of portraits that Whistler made in 1858-59. Known by the pet name of Bibi, the child was son to J. M. Lalouette who ran a small hotel and restaurant at 5 rue de l'Odéon in Paris. Whistler often ate there and left a large unpaid bill when he moved to London. In August 1860 he sent partial payment, eliciting a relieved response from Monsieur Lalouette that mentions Bibi often talked of the artist, and noting the family's pride in their own impression of the present work". ( The Met)  Signed and dated in the plate on the lower right side.