Artwork
Fumette, Standing
Fumette, Standing is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1859 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Fumette, Standing is a drypoint print on Asian laid paper created by James McNeill Whistler in 1859. Characterized by loose, expressive lines and a focus on capturing movement, the work exemplifies Whistler's adherence to the 'art for art's sake' movement, eschewing sentimentality and moral themes.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a woman standing in profile, distinguished by flowing attire and loose hair. Her simple, high-collared blouse and long dress suggest a straightforward, unromanticized portrayal, aligning with Whistler's preference for aesthetic simplicity over narrative depth.
Technique & Style
Executed with a drypoint needle, the piece features quick, gestural lines and varied ink density, indicative of the artist's rapid execution. The scratchy texture inherent to drypoint is evident, while the Asian laid paper's yellowed edge and the uneven ink application underscore the medium's expressive capabilities.
History & Provenance
Created in 1859 by the American expatriate James McNeill Whistler, primarily active in the UK, Fumette, Standing reflects his multifaceted artistic practice, which spanned printmaking, oil, and watercolor painting during the late 19th century.
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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