Who painted Passages de l'Opera?

Passages de l'Opera was painted by James McNeill Whistler in 1888.

Where can I see Passages de l'Opera?

Passages de l'Opera is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Passages de l'Opera?

Passages de l'Opera is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Passages de l'Opera?

Museum-quality prints of Passages de l'Opera are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Passages de l'Opera

James McNeill Whistler , 1888

Passages de l'Opera is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:[Whistler's butterfly signature] center right composition, in plate, artist's hand. "[Whistler's butterfly signature] imp" lower left tab, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "PASSAGES DE L'OPERA / VINS & LIQUERS [sic]" center right composition, in plate, artist's hand. "mk 30698" verso, lower center sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "10386" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand.
Markings: Marked:"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink. "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink.

About this work

Overview

Passages de l'Opera is a print created by James McNeill Whistler in 1888 using etching and drypoint techniques on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bustling street scene centered around the Paris Opera, capturing its architectural and social atmosphere. Signs reading 'Passages de l'Opera' are visible, and people are shown moving through the area, conveying the everyday activity of the city.

Technique & Style

Whistler employed delicate linework and drypoint to achieve subtle tonal effects and texture. The use of quick, sketchy lines conveys a sense of movement and life, reflecting his emphasis on aesthetic refinement and compositional balance.

Context

As part of a series on the Paris Opera, Passages de l'Opera showcases Whistler's interest in capturing urban scenes. Active in Britain, Whistler was known for his refined technique and rejection of narrative or moral themes in his work.

The Fish Shop, Busy Chelsea, James McNeill Whistler

Own this work as a print

Artist & collection

Artist

James McNeill Whistler

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.