Katherine de Kay Bronson

See Gondola Days, p. 219.

Bibliography:

Bronson, K. De K., 'Browning in Asolo,' Century Magazine, vol. 59, April 1900, pp. 920-31; Bronson, K. De K., 'Browning in Venice,' Century Magazine, vol. 63, February 1902, pp. 572-84; Meredith, M., (ed.), More Than Friend: The Letters of Robert Browning to Katherine de Kay Bronson, Waco, Texas, 1985; MacDonald, Margaret F., James McNeill Whistler. Drawings, Pastels and Watercolours. A Catalogue Raisonné, New Haven and London, 1995; MacDonald, Margaret F., Palaces in the Night Whistler in Venice, Aldershot, 2001.

Glasgow, Correspondence of James McNeill Whistler

Bronson, a central figure within Venetian society, was related to JW's early patron, Thomas De Kay Winans. JW was himself a distant relation, his older brother George having married Julia De Kay Winans. From the time of their marriage the Bronsons spent much of their time travelling all over Europe. In 1876, they settled permanently in Venice and soon held a central position in Venetian society. In 1879-80, JW, along with Robert Browning, John Singer Sargent and Henry James, enjoyed Bronson's hospitality at the Ca' Alvisi, the family home situated at the mouth of the Grand Canal opposite Santa Maria della Salute. JW declared, 'Venice is only really known in all its fairy perfection to the privileged who may be permitted to gaze from Mrs Bronson's balcony' (#11542). According to family tradition, JW gave her Venice (M.816), possibly as a parting gift.

American expatriate and artists' patron, Katherine de Kay Bronson (1834 - 1901)