Bead-Stringers

1879/1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image shows a group of figures sketched in an etching style. In the foreground to the left, there is a seated person. This person appears to be a woman with a headscarf or bonnet and long flowing hair. Opposite, on the right side, are several figures seated closely together. One figure holds a child on their lap, who is facing forward. Other figures can be seen in partial profiles, fading into the background. The figures' clothing is textured with fine lines but lacks detailed adornment. In the background, there is an architectural element resembling a window with a shutter or bars. The setting appears to be indoors, with no exterior elements visible. The scene conveys a quiet, intimate grouping within a shaded area.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint in dark brown on Asian laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 22.7 x 15.24 cm (8 15/16 x 6 in.)
    sheet (includes tab with inscription): 23.18 x 15.24 cm (9 1/8 x 6 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8530

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 235, no state listed

  • Series Title

    Venice, a Series of Twenty-six Etchings

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Knoedler & Co., New York, stock no. 36557). Bought by Lessing Julius Rosenwald [1891-1971], Philadelphia, (Lugt 1760b); gift to NGA, 1943.  

Associated Names

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 198, viii/viii.

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. 235, no state listed.

Inscriptions

on plate: (butterfly) / 37 (above door); on tab: butterfly 'imp.'; butterfly of 1886/1887; lower right on verso: MK 36557 / 0227-400 (the '400' erased) / 31' (underlined)

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q65021947

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