A Sketch of the Embankment

James McNeill Whistler

Associated Names
James McNeill Whistler

Artist, American, 1834 - 1903

This is a drawing of a riverside cityscape with figures in the foreground. The image depicts a group of indistinct and lightly constructed figures positioned along what appears to be a waterfront or promenade. The cityscape in the background consists of sketched outlines indicating buildings with spires, rooftops, and various architectural elements, providing a distant urban backdrop. The drawing utilizes delicate lines and minimal detail. The figures in the foreground are also minimally detailed, suggesting motion and life with their fluid outlines against the structured horizon, creating a contrast between the human forms and the urban skyline.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(H. Wunderlich & Co., New York, stock no. a 50080). Given by John Nichols Estabrook and Dorothy Coogan Estabrook to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1987.  

Associated Names

Bibliography

1910

  • Kennedy, Edward G. The Etched Work of Whistler. New York: Grolier Club, 1910, no. 260.

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. 268, only state.

Inscriptions

lower right in graphite: Sketch on the Embankment / 4; lower left verso in graphite: a50080 R10446

Watermarks

partial, horned crown

Wikidata ID

Q74876918

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