Artwork
A Portrait: Mildred Howells
A Portrait: Mildred Howells is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Portrait: Mildred Howells is a 1895 lithograph by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, an American artist active in the UK. The work is a print in black on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph is a portrait of Mildred Howells, depicted seated in a relaxed pose, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and flowing coat. The subject's casual posture and the sketchy background suggest an informal, spontaneous representation.
Technique & Style
The print features loose, expressive lines and a textured paper surface, characteristic of Whistler's printmaking style. The artist's use of subtle, suggestive drawing creates a sense of immediacy and simplicity.
Context
Whistler was known for his emphasis on aesthetic qualities over sentimental or narrative content, reflecting his 'art for art's sake' approach. This work exemplifies his style and technique in portraiture during the late 19th century.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
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