Who painted A Child on a Couch, No.2?

A Child on a Couch, No.2 was painted by James McNeill Whistler in 1874.

Where can I see A Child on a Couch, No.2?

A Child on a Couch, No.2 is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Child on a Couch, No.2?

A Child on a Couch, No.2 is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

A Child on a Couch, No.2

James McNeill Whistler , 1874

A Child on a Couch, No.2 is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created around 1874, this drypoint print shows a young child reclining on a couch, head supported by a pillow, legs extended to one side.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1874, this drypoint print shows a young child reclining on a couch, head supported by a pillow, legs extended to one side. The figure is rendered in modest clothing, set before a window that hints at a faint grid in the background. The work exemplifies Whistler’s restrained, contemplative approach to subject matter.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a moment of quiet repose, suggesting an introspective mood rather than narrative drama. By focusing on a solitary child in a domestic interior, Whistler avoids overt sentimentality, inviting viewers to appreciate the simple presence and the subtle atmosphere of stillness.

Technique & Style

Executed in drypoint on laid paper, the print relies on fine, burr‑laden lines that give texture to fabric and surface. The laid paper’s visible grain contributes to a soft tonal quality, while the delicate incisions create depth without heavy shading, reflecting Whistler’s emphasis on tonal harmony and precision.

History & Provenance

The work belongs to Whistler’s early printmaking period while he was based in Britain, a time when he was establishing his reputation as an American expatriate artist. It was produced during his exploration of the medium as a complement to his painting, aligning with his broader output of tonal works.

Context & Legacy

A representative example of Whistler’s “art for art’s sake” philosophy, the print illustrates his rejection of moralizing content in favor of aesthetic refinement. Its subtle execution and focus on mood influenced later tonalists and contributed to the development of modern printmaking practices that prioritize atmosphere over narrative.

Artist & collection

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.