Artwork
Little Arthur
Little Arthur is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:"Whistler" lower left composition, in plate, artist's hand. Verso: none.
- Markings
- Marked:"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, stamped twice. "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink.
About this work
Overview
Little Arthur is an etching on wove paper created by James McNeill Whistler in 1858. It is a print that exemplifies Whistler's approach to art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a young boy seated with his head tilted downwards, wearing a loose dark coat and having unruly hair. The empty background, with faint lines on the wall, does not distract from the subject.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed a scratchy, textured style to achieve rough, uneven lines by carving into the metal plate before printing. This technique contributes to the overall effect of the etching.
Context
Whistler was an American artist working primarily in the UK, associated with the 'art for art's sake' movement, which rejected sentimental and moralistic themes in art.
Own this work as a print
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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