The Venetian Mast

1879/1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image shows a street scene from a slightly elevated viewpoint. The cobblestone street is lined with buildings. Trees can be seen at the end of the street. A tall post with an ornamental top is in the center. The scene features finely detailed brushstrokes and etched lines depicting architectural structures and figures. The color palette is dominated by sepia tones. People are engaged in various activities, such as sewing. Other figures and structures can be seen in the distance, adding depth to the scene.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

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

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 195, v/vi.

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. 219, no state listed.

Inscriptions

on plate: butterfly; lower left on the verso: Whistler (upside down); on tab: butterfly imp. butterfly of 1886

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q64958854

You may be interested in

Loading Results