Artwork
Fleur de Lys Passage
Fleur de Lys Passage is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:on plate: (butterfly); on tab: (butterfly) imp; lower centre on verso: c.14356; B1084 (crossed out); 0608 (crossed out)
About this work
Overview
Fleur de Lys Passage is an etching and drypoint on laid paper created by James McNeill Whistler around 1887. It exemplifies the artist's work during his mature period.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene street scene with tall buildings and a sign reading 'Fleur de Lys Passage.' Whistler transformed an everyday location into a poetic atmosphere, emphasizing aesthetic qualities over narrative content.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed delicate linework and subtle shading to achieve a sense of depth and tactility. The etching features sharp lines and soft shading, creating a realistic representation of shadows and textures.
Context
Whistler worked primarily in London, where he often found inspiration in ordinary urban scenes. His work reflects the 'art for art's sake' principle, prioritizing aesthetic refinement over sentimental or narrative content.
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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