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 night scene with two ships on calm water. The ships are dark silhouettes against a lighter sky, and the water looks smooth with faint ripples. In the distance, a city skyline with spires and buildings is barely visible, blending into the darkness. The artist used thin, precise lines to create depth and mood, focusing on shadows and light. This style hides details but makes the scene feel mysterious. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Whistler made prints like this.