Artwork
La Mère Gérard
La Mère Gérard is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
La Mère Gérard is an etching created by James McNeill Whistler in 1858 on laid paper. It is a print that showcases the artist's skill in the medium.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a standing woman, turned slightly to the side, lost in thought as she holds fabric. The quiet scene invites contemplation, with the subject's introspective mood conveyed through her pose and expression.
Technique & Style
Whistler's expertise in etching is evident in the detailed shadowing and lightly sketched background, which together draw attention to the subject's attire. The contrast between the rendered figure and the more subdued surroundings adds to the overall effect of the piece.
History & Provenance
La Mère Gérard is part of Whistler's 'Twelve Etchings from Nature' series, created in 1858. The work demonstrates Whistler's early mastery of etching and its contribution to his oeuvre.
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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