Artwork preview

Hôtel Colbert, Windows

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a sketchy, minimalistic depiction of a section of a building viewed from the front. The upper section of the composition features three panels, possibly depicting figures and decorations. Below, a solitary window with grid-like mullions is drawn with loose, freehand lines. The artwork primarily uses a monochrome palette, with soft gray pencil or charcoal on a cream background. The use of light strokes creates an airy and unfinished impression, giving the sense of a quick study or an artist's working sketch.

Artwork Details

Date
1891
Medium
lithograph in black on laid paper
Dimensions
3142 × 5047 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette