Artwork
Windows Opposite Hotel, Bourges
Windows Opposite Hotel, Bourges 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
Windows Opposite Hotel, Bourges is a 1888 etching on laid paper by James McNeill Whistler, an American expatriate artist in the UK, known for his work across multiple mediums.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a quiet architectural scene of two primary windows (with a third visible above the left one) on a building's facade in Bourges, emphasizing subtle light interplay and form over narrative.
Technique & Style
Characterized by Whistler's delicacy, the work features fine lines, subtle shading, and textured depth, achieved through the etching process, which suits the intimate and contemplative atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created in 1888, the etching aligns with Whistler's 'art for art's sake' philosophy, prioritizing refined composition.
Context
Part of Whistler's broader output in printmaking, this piece reflects his exploration of capturing everyday scenes with elegance and simplicity.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this etching are not provided, it contributes to Whistler's reputation for nuanced, aesthetically driven works across mediums.
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.
Arrangement in Black, No. 3: Sir Henry Irving as Philip II of Spain
Arrangement in Flesh Colour and Black: Portrait of Theodore Duret
Gold and Brown: Self-Portrait
Edward Guthrie Kennedy
Harmony in Yellow and Gold: The Gold Girl—Connie Gilchrist
George W. Vanderbilt
Symphony in White, No. 1: The White Girl
Henry Irving as Philip II of Spain
