The Little Mast

1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

This is a detailed sketch of a bustling waterfront scene. The horizon is towards the upper third of the image, showing ships docked. A tall pole is in the center, intersecting the horizon. The sketch showcases buildings along the street with small figures. The intricate lines vary in thickness, adding depth and texture. The lines continue into the distance, fading into ships and sky. The color palette is monochromatic with sepia tones.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Collection of Mr. James Watson Webb [1884-1960] and Mrs. Electra Havemeyer Webb [1888-1960], Los Angeles and Vermont; gift to NGA 1942.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1993

  • Splendid Legacy: The Havemeyer Collection, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1993.

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 185, 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. 196, state iv/viii.

Inscriptions

lower left on the verso: Whistler (upside down); Ep [or Ex] (upside down); on tab: [butterfly imp.]

Watermarks

hunting horn in shield

Wikidata ID

Q64958835

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