Whistler with a Roguish Smile, Evening, C.1880

This is a fine original etching with drypoint portrait of James M Whistler by his friend and fellow artist Mortimer Menpes.  The title is: Whistler with a Roguish Smile, Evening, created and printed  Circa.1880.  The image measures 5 1/4X4 inches, printed on an antique laid type sheet.  This pencil signed impressiion has the "imp" after the artist's name meaning that he printed this impression himself.  .  'Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Mortimer Menpes came to England in 1875. By the time of his momentous meeting with Whistler in 1880, Menpes had already established a considerable reputation as an etcher. Through his friendship with Whistler, Mortimer Menpes learnt the finer techniques of etching whilst, in return, he assisted ‘The Master’ in printing his first Venice Set.' (Campbell)