The Unsafe Tenement

1858

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

Auguste Delâtre

Printer, French, 1822 - 1907

The image displays an old, rustic house from an angled perspective, showcasing the detailed structure of its facade. The focus is on the building, which dominates the scene. The house appears weathered, with a thatched roof and wooden beams of various textures. An etching technique was used to create intricate lines, conveying depth and shadow. A pathway leads to the open entrance, with a shadowy interior visible. An open doorway to the left suggests another space in the structure. The color palette is monochromatic, with shades of brown and beige, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. In the distance, faint suggestions of additional structures are visible. The composition captures the aged and rustic charm of the building with precise line work and contrasting tones.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 15.56 x 22.23 cm (6 1/8 x 8 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 24.13 x 32.39 cm (9 1/2 x 12 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8404

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 18, state iii/iv

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lessing Julius Rosenwald [1891-1971], Philadelphia, (Lugt 1760b-c); gift to National Gallery of Art, 1943.  

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1931

  • Etchings, Lithographs, Original Drawings, and Autograph Letters by James A. McNeill Whistler, The Free Library of Philadelphia, 1931.

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 17, iii/iv.

2012

  • MacDonald, Margaret F., Grischka Petri, Joanna Meacock.James McNeill Whistler: The Etchings, a catalogue raisonné. University of Glasgow on-line website at http://etchings.arts.gla.ac.uk. University of Glasgow, 2012: no. 18, state iii/iv.

Inscriptions

"Whistler" lower right composition, in plate, artist's hand. "Imp Delatre. Rue St. Jacques. 171." lower left composition, in plate, artist's hand. "K. 17 III of 4 The Unsafe Tenement" lower center margin, graphite, unknown hand. "9" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "c.17040" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. Verso: none.

Markings

"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink. "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink.

Watermarks

None.

Wikidata ID

Q65021821

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