Lagoon: Noon

1879/1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image displays several sailing ships anchored in a body of water, possibly a harbor or river. A group of human figures is seen on a small section of land or a dock. The horizon is positioned high in the composition, showing a faint outline of distant land and structures. The artwork is created in a sketch-like style with detailed etching strokes, emphasizing fluidity and movement. The color scheme is primarily sepia or faded ink, creating a serene atmosphere. The central focus is on a large ship with partially blurred sails.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint in dark brown on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 12.38 x 20.32 cm (4 7/8 x 8 in.)
    sheet (includes tab with signature): 13.34 x 20.32 cm (5 1/4 x 8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8552

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 209, state iii/iii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lessing Julius Rosenwald [1891-1971], Philadelphia, (Lugt 1760b); gift to National Gallery of Art, 1943.  

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1931

  • Etchings, Lithographs, Original Drawings, and Autograph Letters by James A. McNeill Whistler, The Free Library of Philadelphia, 1931.

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 216, iii/iii.

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. 209, state iii/iii.

Inscriptions

lower left on the verso: 19; lower centre on the verso: K216-3e et dernier; 5 [or S?]; 33 (underlined) / 79; upper right on the verso: 221

Wikidata ID

Q65021969

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