The Fireplace

1893

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

This is a drawing of a figure in an architectural setting. The figure is seated on a ledge or bench under an arch supported by columns. The architectural elements are depicted with lines and shading, suggesting a classical style with pillars and shadowed recesses. The figure is sketched with a few lines, capturing the pose and possibly a hat or headdress. The mood is tranquil, with a focus on light and shadow giving depth to the structure.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph in black on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 18 × 16 cm (7 1/16 × 6 5/16 in.)
    sheet: 25.3 × 19.1 cm (9 15/16 × 7 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1945.5.1333

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Stratis & Tedeschi 1998, no. 61

Associated Artworks

See all 168 artworks
This is a painting of a comedic and busy scene in an antiquities shop or museum. The image shows an eclectic collection of artifacts displayed, including a partially opened sarcophagus with a vibrant sarcophagus to its right. Various sculptures and busts surround the scene, depicting mythical or historical figures contributing to the antiquated setting. The shelves are packed with a variety of vases differing in size and design, referencing ancient artifacts from different cultures. At the bottom of the image are scrolls, statues, and smaller objects adding to the chaotic yet fascinating atmosphere. The style resembles that of Thomas Rowlandson, known for vivid, satirical depictions and bustling compositions filled with lively detail.

Modern Antiques

Thomas Rowlandson

1811

Caricatures (volume VI)

Thomas Rowlandson

1756

Modern Antiques

Thomas Rowlandson

1811

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1896

  • Way, Thomas Robert. Mr. Whistler's Lithographs: The Catalogue. London: G. Bell and Sons, 1896; New York: H. Wunderlich & Co., 1905, no. 133.

1998

  • Stratis, Harriet K., and Martha Tedeschi, eds. The Lithographs of James McNeill Whistler, vol. 1. Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 1998, pp. 210-212, no. 61.

Wikidata ID

Q65076564

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