A Corner of the Palais Royal

c. 1883/1886

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

The image shows a sketch viewed from a slightly elevated point, focusing on an architectural scene with a grand building featuring columns. The horizon is not clearly defined, and the drawing emphasizes architectural details and figures. The central structure has an arched opening and a classical facade, sketched with loose lines. The technique uses quick strokes, giving an impressionistic feel. The color palette is monochromatic, with shades of brown and sepia. Figures in motion and a horse-drawn carriage are depicted closer to the viewer, suggesting a bustling public area. Additional structures are hinted at in the background.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (trimmed to plate): 13.5 × 8.8 cm (5 5/16 × 3 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1949.5.266

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    MacDonald 2012, no. 258, state iii/iii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Howard Mansfield [1849-1938], New York, (Lugt 1342); acquired by Harris Whittemore [1864-1927], Naugatuck, CT, 1919; (his sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, 18 January 1949, lot 295); (Charles Sessler, Philadelphia, PA); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald, Jenkintown, PA, 1949; gift to the NGA, 1949.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 248, ii/ii.

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. 258, state iii/iii.

Inscriptions

on plate: (butterfly); on tab: (butterfly) imp; lower centre on the verso: A Corner of the Palais Royal, [sic] Paris; lower right on the verso: Ex vx (in script, erased)

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q65076823

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