The Pantheon, from the Terrace of the Luxembourg Gardens
James Abbott McNeill Whistler
Description
Subject Matter:
During the Whistlers' short sojourn in Paris, Whistler frequently depicted scenes in the Luxembourg Gardens in both lithographs and, more rarely, in etchings. He used the architecture of the French formal garden to organize his compositions. Here he employed the balustrade, the dome of the Pantheon, and the urn that aligns with the dome to create a grid to anchor his figures. These prints invariably have an intimate character despite their public setting.
Physical Description:
The balustrade of a public park walkway seen at a slight distance acts as a foil for several figures grouped in front of the balustrade. To the left, two women stand talking while a child, with her back facing the viewer looks between the balusters towards the dome of a building in the distance beyond some trees. Too the right of the composition, a seated man and a woman shown in profile are grouped. Two ornamental urns decorate the balustrade.
Usage Rights:
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