Long Seats, Gray's Inn

c. 1886/1888

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The point of view in this image is at eye-level. The horizon line is not clearly defined but seems to be indicated by the line of figures seated on a bench towards the left half of the image. The brushstrokes are in a delicate, light sketching style with fine lines used to define the contours and details of the figures. The color palette is monochromatic, with light beige paper and dark-toned lines. The image depicts a group of people including women and children, some seated and others standing, with gentle details suggesting their attire and interactions. In the background, subtle outlines suggest additional figures. Some minimal detailing hints at architectural or natural elements.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching in dark brown on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (trimmed to plate): 8 × 17.8 cm (3 1/8 × 7 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8599

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 283, only state


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased December 31, 1928 by 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. 299.

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. 283, only state.

Inscriptions

on plate: (butterfly); on tab: (butterfly) imp; lower right on the verso: Long Seats - Grays Inn (sic)

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q65022016

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