Artwork
The Little Mast
The Little Mast 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.
- 1922.453
- Credit line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph King
About this work
Overview
The Little Mast, created by James McNeill Whistler in 1880, is a print housed in The Cleveland Museum of Art, depicting a serene street scene dominated by a central tall mast.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on a tall mast surrounded by urban architecture, everyday people, and distant boats, conveying a calm atmosphere amidst daily activity.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed detailed rendering of numerous elements and a varied color palette to achieve depth and atmospheric effect, balancing busyness with tranquility.
History & Provenance
Created in 1880, the work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection; specific exhibition or ownership history prior to its current location is not detailed here.
Context
While associated with broader late 19th-century European art movements, The Little Mast's characteristics align more closely with Impressionist principles of capturing modern life and light.
Legacy
As a print, The Little Mast contributes to Whistler's body of work exploring everyday scenes, though its individual impact on the Impressionist movement or subsequent art styles is not distinctly highlighted.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
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