Temple

c. 1880/1881

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image is an etching depicting a street scene viewed from an eye-level perspective. The horizon is not distinct, but the buildings suggest a skyline that flattens to the left. The etching is executed in a simple, sketch-like style with light lines and minimal shading. The lines capture the architectural details and surroundings with spontaneity and elegance. In the foreground, there is a horse-drawn cart next to a street lamp, and beyond are buildings with chimneys and windows, as well as some bare trees. The overall color palette is monochrome.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview


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

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 234.

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. 245, state i/i.

Inscriptions

on plate: (butterfly); on tab: (butterfly) imp

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q64958893

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