Artwork
The Riva, No.II
The Riva, No.II 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. Created in 1880, *The Riva, No.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1880, *The Riva, No. II* is a print by James McNeill Whistler that combines etching and drypoint on Asian laid paper. Executed in a deep brown tone, the work captures a lively waterfront scene along the Riva, rendered with a lightness of line that suggests movement without resorting to detailed narrative.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a bustling quay where pedestrians converse, laborers attend to their tasks, and vessels are moored beside a prominent building with descending steps. Rather than focusing on individual identities, Whistler emphasizes the rhythm of everyday urban life, allowing the viewer to sense the collective activity of the locale.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed the intaglio processes of etching and drypoint, allowing him to produce both fine, controlled lines and richer, velvety shadows. The drypoint work adds a tactile quality to the darker areas, while the etched lines convey the sketch‑like spontaneity of the scene. The overall tonal subtlety reflects his aesthetic preference for atmospheric suggestion over precise representation.
History & Provenance
Although primarily known for his oils and watercolors, Whistler explored printmaking extensively during his career in the United Kingdom, a period often linked to the American Gilded Age. *The Riva, No. II* remains part of his print oeuvre, illustrating his commitment to refined visual harmony and his interest in documenting contemporary urban environments.
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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