Thomas Carlyle (1)

This engraving is inscribed in pencil 'First Proof'.  It is based on the painting by J M Whistler (1834-1903) entitled 'Arrangement in grey and black, No2, Thomas Carlyle',  This was itself based on his famous painting of his own mother which Carlyle admired.  However, Carlyle claimed that he felt Whistler spent more time painting his coat than his face.   Thomas Carlyle, writer and historian (1795-1881) was born in Ecclefechan, Dumfriesshire and received his early schooling at Bridge House, Annan.  He famously used the school as the backdrop of one of his books: 'Sartor Resartus' published in 1833.  He is said to have hated his days at the school.  The original of this portrait is held at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow.  It was painted 5 years after the death of his wife Jane Welsh Carlyle, also a writer, and despite their highly tempestuous marriage he is said to have mourned her the rest of his life.  This sadness seems to have been captured by Whistle in his portrait.   Engraving of a man seated, looking away from the viewer.