Artwork preview

Nocturne

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a misty seascape. The horizon is low in the composition, with silhouettes of ships with tall masts and a distant cityscape or structures. The style uses soft brushstrokes blurring the lines between water and sky. The color palette is monochromatic, using shades of brown and sepia. The water reflects gentle textures with a soft focus.

Artwork Details

Date
1879/1880
Medium
etching and drypoint in dark brown ink on laid paper
Dimensions
7245 × 5043 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette