Sketching, No. 1

1861

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image shows a person seated by a calm riverbank with a sketchbook. Tall grasses and plants surround the figure, who is facing away from us, looking at the landscape. Trees stand on the opposite bank, reflected in the water. Beyond the trees are rolling hills with sparse vegetation. The artist used loose ink strokes for the trees and foliage. The color scheme is black and white, adding depth and contrast. The horizon line is slightly below center.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint in black on chine collé

  • Credit Line

    Gift of John E. Stocker

  • Dimensions

    overall: 11.6 x 16.4 cm (4 9/16 x 6 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2006.125.24

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 83, state iv/vi

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(McLean Arts & Books); John E. Stocker, Arlington; gift to NGA, 2006.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 86, iii/iv.

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. 83, state iv/vi.

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: Whistler: across lower edge in plate: London, Published December 1st 1861 by Day & Son, Litho. to the Queen / Whistler

Wikidata ID

Q76342894

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