Artwork
Ross Winans
Ross Winans is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Ross Winans is an etching and drypoint print on chine collé by James McNeill Whistler, created in 1861. It is a portrait of the American railroad engineer and inventor Ross Winans.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Ross Winans seated with a violin case on his lap, holding a bow, and with a violin leaning against a nearby chair. The loose, sketchy lines suggest a sense of movement and informality, capturing the subject in a relaxed pose.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed both etching and drypoint techniques to achieve a range of line qualities, from deep and textured to precise. The combination of these methods gives the print a dynamic, expressive feel.
Context
Whistler, an American expatriate, was active primarily in the United Kingdom during the mid-19th century. His work, including Ross Winans, reflects his emphasis on artistic expression for its own sake, rather than for sentimental or narrative purposes.
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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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