James Whistler

"The Riva, No. 2" by James McNeill Whistler captures the bustling vibrancy of the Venetian waterfront, filled with detailed depictions of boats and figures engaging in daily life. Whistler's delicate etching lines and atmospheric perspective highlight his fascination with both the architecture and the human activity of the iconic city.

The Riva, No. 2 https://clevelandart.org/art/1940.1087

Gift of Margaret C. Buell, Helen L. King, and Sybil A. Walk, 1970

Oil Night (Recto); Several Sketches of Heads (Verso) (from Sketchbook) https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/13271

"La Danseuse - A Study of the Nude" showcases James McNeill Whistler's delicate line work and fluid composition, capturing the grace of a dancer's pose. Whistler, an American artist known for his contribution to the aesthetic movement, emphasizes simplicity and elegance in this minimalistic sketch.

La Danseuse - A Study of the Nude https://clevelandart.org/art/1941.630

"The Traghetto" by James McNeill Whistler captures a serene moment in a Venetian alley, characterized by dappled light filtering through overhanging foliage. The etching highlights Whistler's mastery in combining atmospheric effects with delicate line work to evoke the tranquil, everyday scenes of 19th-century Venice.

The Traghetto https://clevelandart.org/art/1942.764

"Arrangement in Brown and Black: Portrait of Miss Rosa Corder" by James McNeill Whistler captures the profile of Rosa Corder, elegantly composed with subtle tones of brown and black, showcasing Whistler's focus on harmony and simplicity. Known for emphasizing mood and atmosphere, the painting reflects Whistler's nuanced palette and delicate portrayal of figure and form.

Arrangement in Brown and Black. Portrait of Miss Rosa Corder https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-mcneill-whistler/arrangement-in-brown-and-black-portrait-of-miss-rosa-corder

The artwork "Ponte del Piovan" by James McNeill Whistler is an etching that depicts a serene Venetian canal scene, centered around an arched stone bridge. Whistler's detailed line work captures the quiet charm of Venice's architectural and atmospheric beauty.

Ponte del Piovan https://clevelandart.org/art/1924.57

Gift of Margaret C. Buell, Helen L. King, and Sybil A. Walk, 1970

Pour Boire (from Sketchbook) https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/13275

"Palaces, Brussels" by James McNeill Whistler captures the intricate façade of a Brussels building, rendered with delicate line work resonant of his etching technique. Whistler, known for his 'tonal harmony,' often infused his architectural studies with attention to detail and a sense of ambient city life.

Palaces, Brussels https://clevelandart.org/art/1924.43

Gift of Margaret C. Buell, Helen L. King, and Sybil A. Walk, 1970

Sketch of Gladiator's Head (from Sketchbook) https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/16010

"The Beach at Selsey Bill" by James McNeill Whistler captures a tranquil seaside scene with soft, muted tones and minimalistic composition, indicative of Whistler's innovative approach to art that emphasizes mood and atmosphere over strict realism. Whistler's use of subtle color harmonies and sparse detailing highlights his fascination with aestheticism, drawing the viewer into a serene and contemplative experience of nature.

The Beach at Selsey Bill https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-mcneill-whistler/the-beach-at-selsey-bill

James McNeill Whistler's "Nocturne: Palaces" beautifully captures the atmospheric serenity of a Venetian canal scene at night. Using a subtle palette and soft focus, Whistler emphasizes mood and tonal harmony over detailed representation, exemplifying his aesthetic principles.

Nocturne: Palaces https://clevelandart.org/art/1922.461

"Black Lion Wharf" by James McNeill Whistler depicts a bustling waterfront scene along the River Thames, capturing the essence of maritime life in Victorian London. Through intricate etching, Whistler showcases his distinctive ability to blend detailed architectural elements with the serene yet lively atmosphere of dock workers and moored boats.

Black Lion Wharf https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-mcneill-whistler/black-lion-wharf

"Blue and Silver: Boat Entering Pourville" by James McNeill Whistler presents serene, soft tones depicting a calm seascape with minimalistic figures and horizon. Whistler, known for his emphasis on mood and atmosphere, captures moments of stillness in this impressionistic study of light and color.

Blue and Silver: Boat Entering Pourville https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-mcneill-whistler/blue-and-silver-boat-entering-pourville

James McNeill Whistler's "The Adam and Eve Tavern, Old Chelsea" captures a serene riverside scene featuring moored boats and quaint buildings lining the water's edge. This etching exemplifies Whistler's interest in the atmospheric effects and architectural charm of Victorian-era London.

The Adam and Eve Tavern, Old Chelsea http://americanart.si.edu/collections/search/artwork/?id=27606

James McNeill Whistler's "Amsterdam from the Tolhuis" depicts a serene river scene featuring several sailing vessels set against the distant urban skyline of Amsterdam. Created in 1885, this etching captures the atmospheric effects of light and water, showcasing Whistler’s mastery in conveying mood and place with delicate lines and a subdued palette.

Amsterdam from the Tolhuis https://clevelandart.org/art/1949.139

Whistler's first set of prints, the so-called French Set, included domestic and genre scenes, studies of friends and their children, and glimpses of shadowy figures in backstreets, alleyways, and anonymous interiors. His choice of subject and treatment reflected the American ex-patriot's awareness of modern realist trends in French art. This print, made after Whistler's return to Paris from the Rhine, describes an old woman silhouetted in a doorway, thrown into relief by a shadowed interior. Bent with fatigue, she sits among bundles of scavenged rags, gathered by the poor and sold to papermakers. The image resonates with the painful combination of aging and urban poverty.

The Old Rag Woman, No. 10 from Twelves Etchings from Nature (The French Set) https://clevelandart.org/art/1922.438

Gift of Margaret C. Buell, Helen L. King, and Sybil A. Walk, 1970

Partial Text from Letter (?); Autograph (from Sketchbook) https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/16014

This delicate pencil sketch, attributed to James McNeill Whistler, depicts a standing female figure draped in flowing fabric, capturing a graceful yet introspective pose. Whistler, known for his devotion to exploring form and atmosphere, often sought to convey mood and subtlety in his work, as seen in this ethereal drawing.

The Cap https://clevelandart.org/art/1924.205

"The Kitchen," part of James McNeill Whistler's collection, captures a softly lit interior scene with a lone figure tending to a rustic stove amidst cookware and kitchenware. Whistler's use of watercolor creates a sense of warmth and intimacy, reflecting his keen interest in everyday life and atmospheric effects.

The Kitchen https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-mcneill-whistler/the-kitchen-1

James McNeill Whistler's "Lady in Gray" features a solitary, elegant woman dressed in a subdued yet sophisticated gray, set against a dark, almost indistinct background. This painting exemplifies Whistler's mastery of tonal harmony and keen interest in conveying mood and atmosphere through a refined color palette.

Lady in Gray https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-mcneill-whistler/lady-in-gray

Gift of Margaret C. Buell, Helen L. King, and Sybil A. Walk, 1970

Half-length Figure in a Monk's Cowl (Possibly a Self-portrait) (from Sketchbook) https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/13236

"Whistler in his Studio" by James McNeill Whistler depicts a serene domestic setting with softly blended brushstrokes, typical of his tonal harmonies and use of muted colors. The painting captures a moment of artistic endeavor and introspection, with Whistler himself present, evoking a gentle, impressionistic ambiance reminiscent of his works' focus on mood over detail.

Whistler in his studio https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-mcneill-whistler/whistler-in-his-studio

"The Little Mast" by James McNeill Whistler captures a bustling waterfront scene characterized by its architectural details and a tall mast central to the composition. Whistler's use of etching breathes life into the daily activities of the dock, emphasizing movement and maritime culture within a seemingly simple portrayal.

The Little Mast https://clevelandart.org/art/1922.453

James McNeill Whistler's "Venetian Scene" captures the ethereal beauty of Venice with its soft interplay of colors and light reflecting on the tranquil waters. The artwork showcases his mastery in blending Impressionist techniques with a unique sense of atmospheric mood, emphasizing simplicity and harmony.

Venetian Scene https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-mcneill-whistler/venetian-scene

"The Bucking Horse" is a delicate etching by James McNeill Whistler, featuring a subtle, sketch-like depiction of figures and horses within an arena setting. Whistler's characteristic expertise in line work shines, capturing dynamic movement and the lively atmosphere of an equestrian event.

The Bucking Horse https://clevelandart.org/art/1923.27

This unfinished sketch by James McNeill Whistler depicts Lady Haden, rendered with delicate pencil lines that capture her serene visage. Whistler's use of minimal detail contrasts with the expressive shading around her face, highlighting his mastery of portraiture.

Unfinished Sketch of Lady Haden https://clevelandart.org/art/1941.90

This etching, titled "The Unsafe Tenement" by James McNeill Whistler, vividly captures the precarious state of a dilapidated Tudor-style building with its sagging roof and uneven structure. Whistler’s meticulous line work and attention to architectural details showcase his fascination with urban decay and the effects of time on man-made structures during the late 19th century.

The Unsafe Tenement https://clevelandart.org/art/1989.220

"The Mast," created by James McNeill Whistler, captures a lively street scene anchored by a prominent tall mast set against a backdrop of 19th-century architecture. Whistler's etched lines evoke a sense of movement and daily activity, demonstrating his mastery in capturing atmospheric urban settings.

The Mast https://clevelandart.org/art/1923.8

"The Priest's House, Rouen" by James McNeill Whistler captures a quaint, historic architecture nestled in the heart of Rouen with a masterful play of shadow and light. Known for his evocative etchings, Whistler skillfully renders the intricate details of the setting, emphasizing both the structure's charm and the atmosphere of the narrow street.

The Priest's House, Rouen https://clevelandart.org/art/1924.31

The Art Institute of Chicago

Self-Portrait https://www.artic.edu/artworks/115974/