Artwork
Quiet Canal
Quiet Canal is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:on tab: (butterfly) imp; on verso: c 22615 (underlined) / [ ]xx-
About this work
Overview
Quiet Canal is an etching and drypoint print on laid paper created by James Abbott McNeill Whistler in 1880. It exemplifies the artist's focus on composition and atmospheric effects.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene canal scene with worn buildings and moored boats, evoking a tranquil atmosphere. The quiet subject reflects Whistler's emphasis on visual harmony over narrative or sentimental themes.
Technique & Style
Whistler's use of etching and drypoint techniques achieves a sense of texture and depth, drawing the viewer into the scene. The print's delicate linework and tonal subtlety align with his broader aesthetic principles.
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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