Artwork
The Little Lagoon
The Little Lagoon 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
The Little Lagoon is a print by James McNeill Whistler, created in 1880 using etching and drypoint techniques on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene harbor scene with boats on calm water, capturing a moment of tranquility. The composition includes a small sailboat and a capsized rowboat in the foreground, with larger ships in the distance.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed loose, expressive lines to convey light and movement, balancing detailed areas with empty space. The etching and drypoint techniques allowed for precise control over shadows and texture, characteristic of Whistler's emphasis on tonal subtlety and atmospheric mood.
History & Provenance
The print is from Whistler's mature period in London, marked by his signature butterfly monogram, reflecting his dual approach to art as both delicate and assertive.
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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