^#1983 ^Lot 2044 William M. Whistler

Confederate assistant surgeon in Orr’s South Carolina Rifles (1836–1900). He was the brother of the famous impressionist painter, James Abbott McNeill Whistler, who is probably best known for his painting known as ‘Whistler’s Mother,’ the subject being their real life mother, Anna Matilda McNeill Whistler. After taking leave to visit his mother and brother in London, news of the Confederate surrender reached Whistler. Taking up residence, he would go on to become a prominent surgeon and found the London Throat Hospital. Exceptionally scarce wet plate, albumen 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite photo. Standing view wearing double breasted Confederate frock coat with rank of captain. Carjat & Co. imprint on the front mount. Backmark: Carjat & Co., Paris. In fine condition, with some trivial surface marks. Confederate surgeon images are next to impossible to find.