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Isle de la Cité, Paris

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a bird's-eye view sketch of a cityscape with two bridges crossing over a river. One bridge is closer, has an iron lattice structure and several pedestrian figures. The other bridge is larger, made of stone with multiple arches, connecting to a small island with clustered buildings. Trees are lightly sketched, and the background fades into less defined structures. The artist uses fine, precise lines to depict architectural elements, creating a dynamic atmosphere. The color palette is monochromatic, emphasizing contrast through varied densities of ink lines, offering a sharp impression of the historical urban setting.

Artwork Details

Date
1859
Medium
etching and drypoint on wove paper
Dimensions
5048 × 3499 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette