Whistler, James A. M. THE MEDICI COLLAR. Spink 170, Way 153, Levy 186. Transfer lithograph, 1897. Number of impressions unknown. Printed in Paris by Lemercier in black on cream colored laid paper without watermark, and with the printed butterfly at right. The print is inscribed, near the lower left edge of the sheet "essai," implying that this is a trial proof. 1st (only) state. 7 1/4 x 4 3/8 inches, 185 x 112 mm. (image), 12 1/2 x 8 inches, 317 x 203 mm. (sheet). There is a soft fold across the center of the plate, left to right; else in very good condition. The plate was in Lermrcier's possession from 1897 until 1901, when, at Whistler's request it was canceled. This came about when Whistler was informed that Lemercier had printed and sold impressions from another of his lithographic stones without authorization. Thus it is uncertain whether or not Lemercier made unauthorized prints of this work, though given that the print is infrequently seen, it is likely that only those authorized by Whistler were printed. Ex-collection of H. H. Benedict, with his collector's stamp, Lugt 2936, verso. Benedict was the manufacturer and marketer of Remington typewriters; he owned a pair of mansions at 5 and 7 East 75th Street, and was a major and serious collector of art, including prints.
