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The Little Lagoon, One of the ‘Twelve Etchings,’ or the ‘First Venice Set’

James Abbott McNeill Whistler

Artwork Details

The Little Lagoon, One of the ‘Twelve Etchings,’ or the ‘First Venice Set’
1879-1880
James Abbott McNeill Whistler
etching and drypoint, printed in black ink on laid paper, trimmed to platemark
13 7/16 in. x 8 7/8 in. ( 34.2 cm x 22.6 cm )
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker
1954/1.374

Description

Subject Matter:

The spare composition, with its vertical format and decorative placement of elements on the water, reflects Whistler's interest in Japanese art; the minimal line work suggests that this plate could have been printed with rich plate tone, although most impressions seem to have been cleanly wiped as this one is.

Physical Description:

Gondolas, striped poles, and channel markers all dot the open surface of water in this image. At the center is a two-masted ship at anchor. In the distance are low islands with buildings and ships in the distance under cloudy skies.

Usage Rights:

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