Artwork

Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies])

Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies]), by James McNeill Whistler, ink, 1859
Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies]), by James McNeill Whistler, ink, 1859

Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies]) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1859 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:upper center in plate: Whistler; on recto by later hand: 71652 No 27Soupe à tris sous - très rare

About this work

Overview

Soupe à Trois Sous is an etching on Japanese laid paper created by James McNeill Whistler in 1859. It is a print that showcases the artist's skill in rendering a simple scene with refined technique.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a woman eating soup in a modest Parisian setting, with the figure being the primary focus of the composition. The scene is straightforward, with no overt narrative or emotional content.

Technique & Style

Whistler employed fine, delicate lines and shading to create depth in the scene, a technique common in 19th-century printmaking. The use of Japanese laid paper reflects his preference for high-quality materials and attention to technical detail.

Soupe à Trois Sous
Soupe à Trois Sous, James McNeill Whistler

Artist & collection

Portrait of James McNeill Whistler

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies])?

Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies]) was painted by James McNeill Whistler in 1859.

Where can I see Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies])?

Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies]) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies])?

Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies]) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies])?

Museum-quality prints of Soupe à Trois Sous (Soup for three sous [pennies]) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.