Rotherhithe
1860
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1860
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows tall ships tied up at a dock in Rotherhithe. Dark lines swirl around the boats and buildings. Light cuts through, making the scene feel crisp and quiet. Whistler made this to capture the harbor’s daily rhythm. He used sharp, scratchy lines to define shapes. The effect feels almost like a photograph, but with a handmade touch. Try looking up Whistler, James McNeill next.
