Artwork

Whistler with the White Lock

Whistler with the White Lock, by James McNeill Whistler, 1878
Whistler with the White Lock, by James McNeill Whistler, 1878

Whistler with the White Lock is a print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Whistler with the White Lock is a 1878 print by James McNeill Whistler, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a profile view of a man, identified as the artist himself, with wavy, disheveled hair featuring noticeable white streaks near the temple, potentially alluding to the inevitability of aging or presented in a humorous light.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, scratchy lines reminiscent of rapid pencil strokes, the piece eschews smooth shading for a quick, expressive approach, akin to sketching.

History & Provenance

Created in 1878, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

The stylistic approach of rapid, expressive marks in 'Whistler with the White Lock' can be contextualized within broader artistic techniques, such as sfumato, which emphasizes subtle, hazy effects through layering and blending.

Legacy

While specific influences or direct artistic lineage of 'Whistler with the White Lock' are not outlined, its technique reflects Whistler's contribution to the evolution of expressive, less formal portraitures in the late 19th century.

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.