The 'Adam and Eve', Old Chelsea
1878
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1878
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Whistler’s etching shows a bird’s-eye view of Old Chelsea. The Thames winds past brick buildings and moored barges. Thin lines carve every rooftop and window, while ink shadows catch the light. This isn’t Whistler’s usual foggy scenes. He used etching and drypoint here, scratching lines into a copper plate and inking it by hand. The paper’s slight texture softens the blacks, making the city feel alive. Look closer at the boats along the shore. Then try Whistler, James McNeill.
