Nocturne
1880
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1880
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a quiet harbor scene at night. A large ship sits in the water, its masts and rigging dark against the sky. Buildings line the shore, their shapes fuzzy and blended together. The water looks still, with only a few faint ripples breaking the surface. The artist used loose, sketchy lines to capture the mood rather than every detail. The whole scene feels soft and dreamy, like you’re seeing it through a light fog. Next, check out etching to see how artists like Whistler made prints with sharp tools.