Portrait Sketch of Thomas Carlyle 1872

James Abbott McNeill Whistler made this portrait sketch of Thomas Carlyle with ink on paper. Whistler was an American-born, British-based artist working in the late 19th century. The sitter, Thomas Carlyle, was a prominent Scottish historian, known for works like *The French Revolution: A History*. What we see here is a rapidly drawn image, suggesting a candid moment captured in ink. Carlyle is depicted in profile, seated at what appears to be a desk or table. The room is simply suggested, with only a picture on the wall visible. The image is not just a record of appearance; it tells us something about the cultural status of both artist and sitter. Whistler’s interest in capturing a fleeting impression aligns with the avant-garde sensibilities of the time, challenging the established norms of portraiture. Carlyle, by consenting to be sketched, engages with this evolving artistic landscape, while also cementing his own cultural legacy. To fully understand this sketch, one might delve into the correspondence between Whistler and Carlyle, exploring their relationship and the social circles in which they moved. Examining exhibition records from the period might shed light on how such sketches were viewed by the art world.