The Rialto

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

The image is an etching of a bustling city street with tall buildings on either side. A clock tower rises in the middle of the scene. The artist uses fine, linear strokes to depict a lively and detailed scene. The etching is monochromatic, with varying shades of black and sepia on pale paper. Small figures are depicted in the foreground, engaged in various activities. Close to the horizon, the street leads upwards past groups of people.