Artwork

Little Lagoon

Little Lagoon, by James McNeill Whistler, 1880
Little Lagoon, by James McNeill Whistler, 1880

Little Lagoon is a print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1923.7

About this work

Overview

Little Lagoon is a print by James McNeill Whistler, created in 1880, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene harbor scene with boats on calm water, a bird floating nearby, and buildings and ships in the distance under a soft sky.

Technique & Style

Whistler employed loose, rapid lines to convey the mood of the scene, prioritizing atmosphere over precise detail, a characteristic approach for sketches intended to capture a moment.

Artist & collection

Portrait of James McNeill Whistler

Artist

James McNeill Whistler

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (; July 10, 1834 – July 17, 1903) was an American painter in oils and watercolor, and printmaker, active during the American Gilded Age and based primarily in the United Kingdom.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Little Lagoon?

Little Lagoon was painted by James McNeill Whistler in 1880.

Where can I see Little Lagoon?

Little Lagoon is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Little Lagoon?

Little Lagoon is associated with Impressionism.