Artwork preview

The Little Lagoon

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a scene of a calm water body with distant shores visible. Buildings and masts of ships are silhouetted against the horizon line. Boats with tall masts are seen in the middle distance, reflecting on the water. Closer, smaller boats with figures can be seen. The sky is lightly cloudy, indicating a gentle day. The artwork has a minimalistic color palette dominated by tan and sepia tones, emphasizing tranquil atmosphere and intricate linework.

Artwork Details

Date
1879/1880
Medium
etching and drypoint on laid paper
Dimensions
3221 × 4881 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette