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Studies for Jewelry Designs [verso]

Beatrix Godwin Whistler

1801

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century Letter

Dominant colour

Studies for Jewelry Designs [verso] is a 1801 graphite by Beatrix Godwin Whistler, a Impressionism work, depicting Letter, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Beatrix Godwin Whistler
When & what style?: 1801 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

You see quick pencil sketches of necklaces, earrings, and brooches on the back of an old envelope. These aren’t polished designs. They’re scribbles—ideas jotted down fast, like a text message to herself. The envelope was probably in her pocket while she waited for a train or sat in a café. Whistler’s wife, Beatrix Godwin, made these while running her own jewelry business in London. She sold pieces to stores like Liberty & Co., but few people know she was the artist behind them. Look up the technique called *impasto* next—it’s the opposite of these light sketches.