The Draped Figure, Seated
1893
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1893
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This lithograph shows a seated woman draped in fabric, her back turned. The lines are loose but precise. The contrast between dark ink and light paper feels soft but sharp. Whistler often used this technique to capture figures quickly. Lithography lets him draw directly on stone, then print the image. It’s like making a quick sketch that lasts. Try lithography yourself. See Whistler, James McNeill.
