Artwork

Study of a Horse

Study of a Horse, by James McNeill Whistler, ink, 1895
Study of a Horse, by James McNeill Whistler, ink, 1895

Study of a Horse is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Study of a Horse is a 1895 lithograph by James McNeill Whistler, created using black ink on wove paper. It exemplifies the artist's printmaking technique.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a horse standing with its body turned to the side. The artist used loose, rough lines to capture the animal's form, with a minimalist background suggested by faint strokes. The focus is on conveying the horse's shape through simple marks.

Technique & Style

The lithograph showcases Whistler's emphasis on refined technique and direct observation. The loose, expressive lines and sparse background reflect a deliberate, yet unpolished approach, characteristic of quick studies where capturing movement was key.

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.