Artwork

Nursemaids

Nursemaids, by James McNeill Whistler, 1894
Nursemaids, by James McNeill Whistler, 1894

Nursemaids is a print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Nursemaids, a print by James McNeill Whistler from 1894, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work portrays a serene gathering of women and children in an outdoor setting.

Subject & Meaning

The scene focuses on a group of women in long dresses congregated around a tree in a park or garden, with children playing nearby, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation among the subjects.

Technique & Style

Whistler employed muted colors and soft brushstrokes. Notably, the use of chiaroscuro effectively captures the interplay of light and shadow on the subjects' faces and clothing, adding depth and volume to the composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1894, Nursemaids is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of James McNeill Whistler

Artist

James McNeill Whistler

James Abbott McNeill Whistler was an American painter in oils and watercolor, and printmaker, active during the American Gilded Age and based primarily in the United Kingdom.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.