By the Balcony

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image features a drawing of most of a person's body lying down on a bed, covered by a blanket. The individual's head is resting on a pillow, with the facial features not clearly depicted. The person's head is turned slightly to the side, with short or closely cropped dark hair visible against a light pillow. The soft folds of the textured blanket are detailed. The background includes partially drawn curtains that suggest a window, with a hint of a balcony or railing outside. In the distance beyond the curtains, there is a faint cityscape or architectural structure sketched in light lines. The overall ambiance is intimate and private.