Artwork
Twelve Etchings from Nature: Liverdun
Twelve Etchings from Nature: Liverdun is a print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1940.795.7
- Credit line
- Bequest of James Parmelee
About this work
Overview
Twelve Etchings from Nature: Liverdun, created by James McNeill Whistler in 1858, is an etching housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, depicting a serene, rural street scene.
Subject & Meaning
The etching portrays a deserted, weathered street with thatched-roof buildings, shutters, and a ladder, conveying a sense of emptiness and tranquility. Two distant figures subtly populate the space, emphasizing the overall stillness.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed fine lines to render light and shadow, imparting texture to the buildings. The depiction of a wet, possibly post-rain street, with detailed shadows, adds depth to the composition.
History & Provenance
Created in 1858, the work is part of a series titled Twelve Etchings from Nature. It is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
This etching reflects Whistler's exploration of capturing everyday, often overlooked scenes, characteristic of his early work. Comparisons can be drawn to his broader experimentation with light across various pieces.
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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