Artwork
Isle de la Cité, Paris
Isle de la Cité, Paris 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
Isle de la Cité, Paris is a print created by James McNeill Whistler in 1859 using etching and drypoint techniques on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene section of the Seine River near Notre-Dame, showcasing the architectural character of the historic Île de la Cité in Paris. The scene is populated with small figures strolling along the riverbank.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed a combination of etching and drypoint to achieve a delicate, nuanced representation of the scene. The drypoint needle was used to add subtle details, resulting in a smoky, refined visual effect.
Context
This work reflects Whistler's early interest in capturing urban landscapes during his time in France, demonstrating his skill in printmaking and his attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
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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