The Bridge

1879/1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The etching depicts a canal scene with a high horizon line showing buildings and trees in the distance. The canal winds through the bustling scene, with a bridge as a focal point. Figures are visible crossing the bridge and along its edges. The sketch-like brushstrokes capture a lively atmosphere with minimal detail. The color palette is limited to sepia tones. Boats with figures and people along the canal bank add to the sense of movement in the urban setting.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint on Asian wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 29.8 x 20.2 cm (11 3/4 x 7 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8538

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 201, state i/ix

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Julian Alden Weir [1852-1919], (not in Lugt). Charles B. Eddy [1872-1951], (according to NGA mount, see Lugt 499). Knoedler & Co., New York. Bought on 15 March 1928 by Lessing Julius Rosenwald [1891-1971], Philadelphia, (Lugt 1760b); 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.

2005

  • "Whistler - Music", Institut Valencià d'Art Modern, Valencia, 2005, (unnumbered catalogue reproductions).

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 204, i/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. 201, state i/ix.

Inscriptions

on plate: butterfly

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q65021955

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