Upright Venice

1879-1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image shows an elevated view of a busy waterway. The horizon line is high, showing buildings, domes, and a distant landmark. The detailed etching style includes fine lines and cross-hatching for texture and depth. The color scheme is monochromatic, with shades of black and gray. Closest to the viewer, there are people, boats, and activity along the water's edge. Further out, gondolas and watercraft can be seen on the water, leading towards the cityscape and clouds in the sky.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint in black on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Corcoran Collection (Bequest of Margaret Coughlan)

  • Dimensions

    plate: 25.4 × 17.78 cm (10 × 7 in.)
    sheet (with tab): 26.19 × 17.78 cm (10 5/16 × 7 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.19.3263

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 232, state vii/vii

  • Series Title

    A Set of Twenty-Six Etchings

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Margaret Coughlan, Washington, DC; Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2004; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 205.

2012

  • MacDonald, Margaret, Grischka Petri, Meg Hausberg, and Joanna Meacock. James McNeill Whistler: The Etchings, A Catalogue Raisonné. Scotland: University of Glasgow, 2012, no. 232, vii/vii. http://etchings.arts.gla.ac.uk

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: [the artist's butterfly] imp.; upper left verso in graphite by unknown hand: Up. Venice; lower left verso in graphite by unknown hand: D307 / 961045 [strikethrough] / C10562 [strikethrough] / C14916; lower right verso in graphite by unknown hand: RSM / 17 / MS 6875

Wikidata ID

Q77010135

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