Doorway and Vine

1879-1880

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image features a large, rectangular archway leading to an interior space. The perspective is focused on the archway and building structure. The doorway is centrally placed. The etching technique is used with fine, linear strokes for texture and depth. The color palette is monochromatic, in sepia or brown tones. The space close to us appears open and sparse, while a framed window is visible beyond the archway with some indistinct figures or objects inside. The left side of the building is adorned with what seem to be vines or foliage.

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

2003

  • "Whistler and His Circle in Venice", The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, 2003, no. 43.

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 196, iii/x.

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. 191, state iii/xviii.

Inscriptions

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

Watermarks

hunting horn in shield

Wikidata ID

Q64958856

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