Artwork
The Traghetto, No.II
The Traghetto, No.II is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1880, The Traghetto, No.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:center left printed in black ink: [the artist's butterfly]; lower left in graphite on the paper tab: [the artist's monogram] imp.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1880, The Traghetto, No. II is an etching and drypoint executed on laid paper by James McNeill Whistler. The work depicts a quiet riverside gathering, rendered in a restrained palette of line and tone. Its composition balances figures and water, inviting the viewer to linger on the subtle interplay of light and shadow that defines the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a small group of individuals positioned along a canal or riverbank, engaged in low‑key conversation or simply observing their surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere suggests a moment of everyday leisure rather than a narrative episode, reflecting Whistler’s interest in capturing mood and ambience over overt storytelling.
Technique & Style
Whistler combined traditional etching with drypoint, allowing him to produce both fine, controlled lines and richer, velvety burr marks. The laid paper surface contributes a textured backdrop that enhances the delicate gradations of tone. The overall effect is a measured, almost lyrical rendering of light on water, characteristic of Whistler’s “art for art’s sake” aesthetic.
History & Provenance
The print was produced during Whistler’s residence in the United Kingdom, a period when he was actively exploring printmaking alongside his oil and watercolor work. It was issued as part of a limited series, and surviving impressions have passed through private collections and museum holdings, illustrating the artist’s sustained reputation among collectors of 19th‑century prints.
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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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