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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Starting June 3
Exhibitions & Events
Featured event:

Block Party
Join us June 6
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Long Lagoon

1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names

James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image depicts a seascape with the horizon positioned about one-third of the way from the top. The view shows an expansive water surface with several tall masted ships on the horizon and a distant cityscape with recognizable landmarks. The artwork features linear brushstrokes or etches, creating a minimalist and sketch-like quality. The color palette is subdued, with soft sepia tones suggesting an aged photograph or a faint wash of color. The composition is sparse, emphasizing the tranquil atmosphere of the scene. The scene includes wooden posts and a small boat in the water.

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Artwork overview

Medium

etching and drypoint on laid paper
Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. Watson Webb in memory of Mr. and Mrs. H.O. Havemeyer
Dimensions

plate: 15.24 x 22.7 cm (6 x 8 15/16 in.)
sheet (includes tab with signature): 16.99 x 22.86 cm (6 11/16 x 9 in.)
Accession Number

1942.15.20
Catalogue Raisonné

MacDonald 2012, no. 203, i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Collection of Mr. James Watson Webb [1884-1960] and Mrs. Electra Havemeyer Webb [1888-1960], Los Angeles and Vermont; gift to NGA 1942.

Associated Names

Mr. and Mrs. J. Watson Webb

Bibliography

1910

Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 203, i/ii.

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. 215, no state listed.

Inscriptions

on tab: butterfly 'imp.'

Watermarks

RK countermark

Wikidata ID

Q64958870

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