The Little Lagoon

1879/1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image shows a scene of a calm water body with distant shores visible. Buildings and masts of ships are silhouetted against the horizon line. Boats with tall masts are seen in the middle distance, reflecting on the water. Closer, smaller boats with figures can be seen. The sky is lightly cloudy, indicating a gentle day. The artwork has a minimalistic color palette dominated by tan and sepia tones, emphasizing tranquil atmosphere and intricate linework.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Probably sold to W.C. Alexander. 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

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 186.

2012

  • MacDonald, Margaret, Grischka Petri, Meg Hausberg, and Joanna Meacock. James McNeill Whistler: The Etchings, A Catalogue Raisonné. Scotland: University of Glasgow, 2012, no. 216, iii/vi. http://etchings.arts.gla.ac.uk

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: [the artist's butterfly]; lower left in graphite: [the artist's butterfly] imp; lower left on the verso: For Alexander - / [butterfly] chosen - / very fine proof; by later hand lower right on the verso: Little Lagoon; lower centre on the verso: s / c; lower centre on the verso: FHX WXØ

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q64958836

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