Artwork preview

Nocturne

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a view of a calm body of water with a horizon line approximately one third from the bottom. Along the horizon, there are ships with tall masts, including a large ship slightly left of center. To the right, there are buildings, possibly a cityscape, with a tall structure resembling a lighthouse or tower. The image features soft, blur-like brushstrokes, creating a dreamlike quality. The color palette consists of monochromatic tones of gray, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the scene.

Artwork Details

Date
1879/1880
Medium
etching and drypoint on laid paper
Dimensions
7302 × 5386 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette