Artwork
Nocturne
Nocturne is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Nocturne is an etching and drypoint print created by James Abbott McNeill Whistler in 1880. It is executed in dark brown ink on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene nocturnal scene featuring two ships on calm water, set against a city skyline that fades into the darkness. The artist's use of silhouettes and subtle light effects evokes a sense of mystery.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed thin, precise lines to convey depth and mood, emphasizing shadows and light. The delicate technique characteristic of his work contributes to the overall atmosphere of the scene.
History & Provenance
Whistler, an American artist active in the UK, was known for his advocacy of 'art for art's sake' and his rejection of sentimentality. His stylized butterfly signature appears on the print.
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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