Artwork
St James's Street
St James's Street is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate butterfly signature; lower right in graphite: W.140;lower left verso in graphite: a48255 / R10431
About this work
Overview
St James's Street is a print created by James McNeill Whistler in 1878 using etching and drypoint techniques on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene view of St James's Street in London, showcasing the artist's ability to capture the urban environment. The scene is characterized by small shops lining the street, with an emphasis on the interplay of light and shadow.
Technique & Style
Whistler employed drypoint, a technique involving scratching a metal plate with a needle, to achieve soft, velvety lines. The use of drypoint and etching allowed him to render the effects of light on the buildings, reducing them to flat shapes and creating a distinctive visual effect.
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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