The Palaces

1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image shows a canal with buildings on both sides. The perspective is from across the canal, capturing the full view of the buildings. The horizon is obstructed by the buildings along the canal, which are the main focus. The etching technique creates detailed lines, showing architectural features and reflections in the water. The color scheme is sepia, adding a historical quality, with varying tones for depth. Gondolas are seen on the water, with ornate building facades in the background. The sky blends into the background with subtle linework suggesting rooftops and chimneys in the distance.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching, drypoint and open bite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8521

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 223, state vi/vi


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

T. Agnews, London. (H. Wunderlich & Co., New York, stock number a 65730). Lessing Julius Rosenwald [1891-1971], Philadelphia; gift to NGA, 1943.  

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1931

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

2003

  • "Whistler and His Circle in Venice", The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington; The Grolier Club, New York, 2003.

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 187, iii/iii.

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. 223, state vi/vi.

Inscriptions

on tab: [butterfly] imp; lower right on verso: OW net

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q65021938

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