Harmony in Yellow and Gold: The Gold Girl—Connie Gilchrist

James McNeill Whistler

ca. 1876–77 · Oil on canvas · The American Wing

Constance Macdonald Gilchrist (1865-1946), popularly known as "the original Gaiety Girl," had a successful career on the London stage in light comedy and vaudeville. Whistler posed her in his studio as she appeared on the stage of the Gaiety Theatre in the skipping-rope dance. In addition to being a portrtait of the popular young dancer, the painting is an experiment in design and color, presenting a visual dialogue between solid forms and flat, decorative patterns.

Artist

James McNeill Whistler

Date

ca. 1876–77

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of George A. Hearn, 1911