Windsor, No. 2

1887

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image shows a sketch-like view looking at a distant complex of buildings and a tower from a slightly elevated perspective. The architectural structures sit atop a hill and appear lightly sketched, possibly resembling an old castle or fortification with a flag on the tallest tower. The brushstroke style consists of fine lines with minimal shading, capturing the architecture and surrounding foliage. The color palette is monochromatic, with muted tones typical of pencil or ink on paper. The reflections of the structures are seen on the water's surface, indicated by vertical lines and gentle curves. Beyond the water, the building outlines become more intricate against a sky with sparse, light cloud formations represented by soft lines.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (trimmed to plate): 13.2 × 9.6 cm (5 3/16 × 3 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8612

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 314, only state


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. 330.

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. 314, only state.

Inscriptions

on plate: (butterfly); on tab: (butterfly) imp

Wikidata ID

Q65022028

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