Artwork
The Farriers
The Farriers is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Farriers is a 1888 lithograph by James Whistler, capturing a fleeting moment of everyday life in a subdued, unornamented setting. The work showcases Whistler's ability to convey simplicity and immediacy through printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph depicts a woman shoeing a horse, assisted by another figure, emphasizing the everyday activity over narrative depth. Whistler's focus on aesthetic effect aligns with the 'art for art's sake' principle, eschewing sentimentality and moralizing elements.
Technique & Style
Characterized by loose, rapid lines and minimal background detail, the piece reflects Whistler's emphasis on capturing the essence of a moment. The use of lithography with chine collé on wove paper contributes to the work's textured, expressive quality, with the horse's leg being the most defined element amidst softer, smudged surroundings.
History & Provenance
Created during the American Gilded Age, The Farriers represents Whistler's exploration of printmaking while based in Britain as an American expatriate. Specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
Reflecting Whistler's expatriate experience and artistic philosophy, The Farriers situates itself within late 19th-century European printmaking, influenced by the 'art for art's sake' movement that valued aestheticism over realism or didacticism.
Legacy
As part of Whistler's print oeuvre, The Farriers contributes to the broader recognition of lithography as a viable medium for expressive, modern artistic practices, influencing subsequent generations of artists in their approach to capturing everyday life.
Own this work as a 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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