Artwork
Draped Figure, Reclining
Draped Figure, Reclining is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Draped Figure, Reclining is a 1892 color lithograph on wove paper by James McNeill Whistler, an American artist based in the United Kingdom.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a reclining figure draped in elegant folds, emphasizing simplicity and tonal harmony. The subject is characterized by delicate form and subtle suggestion rather than detailed representation.
Technique & Style
The lithograph was created by drawing directly on a stone, resulting in a sketchy, expressive appearance. Whistler's use of lithography allowed for loose, quick marks that prioritize suggestion over detail, aligning with his focus on refined composition and tonal harmony.
Context
Whistler's work, including Draped Figure, Reclining, reflects the 'art for art's sake' movement, prioritizing aesthetic qualities over narrative or moral themes.
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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