Amsterdam from the Tolhuis
1863
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1863
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a busy harbor packed with ships of all sizes. In the foreground, a small boat carries three people—two standing, one sitting—while larger vessels fill the water. Buildings line the shore, and the sky is full of quick, sketchy lines. The artist used loose, fast strokes to suggest movement and light. This wasn’t painted; it was etched into the paper with sharp tools, creating the texture you see. Next, check out etching to see how artists like Whistler made prints this way.
