Artwork
The Forge, Passage du Dragon
The Forge, Passage du Dragon is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Forge, Passage du Dragon is a lithograph created by James McNeill Whistler in 1894. It is a print in black on laid paper, exemplifying Whistler's work in printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a dimly lit industrial scene with a small group of people, emphasizing visual effect over narrative. The image captures a moment of activity, with loose lines suggesting movement and energy.
Technique & Style
Whistler used shading to convey the heavy smoke and dim light, a common technique in lithography that allows for layered tones and depth without color. The drawing is characterized by rough, quick lines that evoke a sense of immediacy.
Context
Whistler was a proponent of 'art for art's sake,' focusing on composition and visual effect. As an artist based primarily in the UK, his work reflects his interest in subtle, evocative representations.
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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