Steamboats off the Tower

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an etching of a serene harbor scene. In the foreground, two figures sit in a rowboat. In the background, there are tall masted ships lined up, and other boats and buildings hinted at in the distance. The etching uses fine, flowing lines to depict the reflections in the water and the forms of the ships. The color scheme is monochromatic, with shades of black and gray on an off-white background, creating a light and airy atmosphere.