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Long Venice, One of the ‘Twenty-six Etchings,’ or the ‘Second Venice Set’

James Abbott McNeill Whistler

Artwork Details

Long Venice, One of the ‘Twenty-six Etchings,’ or the ‘Second Venice Set’
1879-1880
James Abbott McNeill Whistler
etching and drypoint, printed in dark brown ink on laid paper, trimmed to platem
5 1/16 in. x 12 1/4 in. ( 12.9 cm x 31.1 cm )
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker
1954/1.391

Description

Subject Matter:

Typically, Whistler did not concern himself with the reversal of the image inherent in the etching process; here we see the approach to Venice with the orientation unfamiliarly reversed. To the left is the Doges' Palace and other buildings adjacent to the Riva. At center are the domes, drawn in delicate drypoint, of the church of Santa Maria della Salute and the Dogana or customs house that stands at the entrance to the Grand Canal, which recedes to the left of the domes.

Physical Description:

A sweeping panorama shows a city and shipping along the water. The left side is more minutely described as large three-story buildings hug the water's edge. Just to the right of center is a large building with several domes. Several small boats and gondolas are visible to the left of center. A cloudy and blustery sky occupies the top of the image.

Usage Rights:

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