Artwork
The Mast
The 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.
- 1923.8
- Credit line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph King
About this work
Overview
The Mast is a print by James McNeill Whistler, created in 1880. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a city street scene with people sitting on benches beneath a tall flagpole. The surrounding buildings are plain, with open windows and laundry hanging outside. The flagpole is the focal point, rendered in simple lines that convey light and shadow.
Technique & Style
The scene is drawn in loose, quick lines, with an emphasis on capturing the overall impression rather than precise details. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, employing a technique related to chiaroscuro.
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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