Artwork

St James's Street

St James's Street, by James McNeill Whistler, ink, 1878
St James's Street, by James McNeill Whistler, ink, 1878

St James's Street is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

St James's Street is a print created by James McNeill Whistler in 1878 using etching and drypoint techniques on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene view of St James's Street in London, showcasing the artist's ability to capture the urban environment. The scene is characterized by small shops lining the street, with an emphasis on the interplay of light and shadow.

Technique & Style

Whistler employed drypoint, a technique involving scratching a metal plate with a needle, to achieve soft, velvety lines. The use of drypoint and etching allowed him to render the effects of light on the buildings, reducing them to flat shapes and creating a distinctive visual effect.

Artist & collection

Portrait of James McNeill Whistler

Artist

James McNeill Whistler

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.