Wild West, Buffalo Bill

1887

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image is viewed from an elevated perspective. The horizon line is moderately high, suggesting an open space. The brushstrokes are delicate and minimalist, creating an impressionistic style. The palette is monochromatic, with shades of beige and brown. Figures are lightly sketched close to us, suggesting movement. More figures and structures are visible in the distance, hinting at a leisurely outdoor event.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (trimmed to plate): 12.5 × 17.6 cm (4 15/16 × 6 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8606

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 294, only state

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

T. G. Arthur [1858-1907], Scotland; (Wunderlich & Co., New York, a 36708, 1902). (Knoedler & Co., New York, 1920s, stock no. MK 30956). Bought November 10, 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. 313.

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. 294, only state.

Inscriptions

on plate: (butterfly); on tab: (butterfly) imp; by later hands, at lower right on the verso: title

Watermarks

partial Arms of Amsterdam

Wikidata ID

Q65022022

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