Artwork preview

Upright Venice

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a vast expanse of water leading towards a distant cityscape. The horizon is placed roughly at the upper third of the image, where the cityscape emerges with small architectural structures and larger dome-like buildings creating a skyline. Some tall ships with masts are visible near the city's edge, appearing anchored or in motion towards the docks. The artwork uses fine linear strokes to create a delicate composition. The color palette is mostly monochromatic with variations of gray and beige, giving the scene a muted appearance. Closest to us is a solitary boat gently resting on the water's surface, leading the eye towards the distant city. The sky above features sparse, linear clouds spread out thinly, enhancing the tranquility of the setting.

Artwork Details

Date
1879-1880
Medium
etching and drypoint on laid paper
Dimensions
3421 × 4803 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette