Artwork
Fifth of November
Fifth of November 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
Fifth of November is a 1895 lithograph by James McNeill Whistler, created during his later years in the United Kingdom. The print is executed in black on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts two figures seated together on a bench, their faces obscured. The scene is rendered with loose, expressive lines, suggesting a spontaneous capture of the moment.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed a direct drawing technique, applying ink to a stone before transferring it to paper. The resulting print is characterized by its rough, unpolished quality, reflecting the artist's emphasis on capturing atmospheric effects.
Context
This work is part of Whistler's ongoing exploration of tonal and atmospheric effects in his graphic output during the late 19th century, aligning with his broader artistic philosophy of prioritizing aesthetic refinement.
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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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