Artwork
Seymour, Seated
Seymour, Seated is an ink print by the Romanticist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:on plate:J Whistler' ('istler' is obscured)
About this work
Overview
Seymour, Seated is an etching on laid paper created by James McNeill Whistler in 1868. It exemplifies the artist's work in printmaking, a medium in which he achieved significant innovation.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a seated figure, likely a young girl, in a state of quiet contemplation. She is shown with a small object in her hands, wearing a hat and a dress with a full skirt. The simplicity of the scene suggests an emphasis on composition over narrative.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed a technique involving layered ink to achieve varied tones, giving the print a textured appearance. The loose, wavy lines contribute to a sketchy, dynamic feel, characteristic of his graphic work. The use of subtle tonal contrasts adds depth to the image.
History & Provenance
Created in 1868, Seymour, Seated is a product of Whistler's mature period, during which he worked primarily in Britain. The etching reflects his contribution to the advancement of printmaking techniques in the late 19th century.
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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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