Artwork preview

Vitré: The Canal

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts a cluster of rooftops in a town or village. The viewpoint is elevated, showing a sweeping perspective over the roofs with a horizon lined by distant buildings, including a structure with a tower or spire. The artwork features soft, sketch-like strokes suggesting form and texture with a monochromatic color palette of black against a cream background. Near the viewer, rooftops and buildings are distinct, while those in the distance are less detailed. Reflections of structures can be seen at the bottom of the image.

Artwork Details

Date
1893
Medium
lithograph in black on laid paper
Dimensions
3477 × 4992 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette