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A Sketch of the Embankment

James McNeill Whistler

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a riverside cityscape with figures in the foreground. The image depicts a group of indistinct and lightly constructed figures positioned along what appears to be a waterfront or promenade. The cityscape in the background consists of sketched outlines indicating buildings with spires, rooftops, and various architectural elements, providing a distant urban backdrop. The drawing utilizes delicate lines and minimal detail. The figures in the foreground are also minimally detailed, suggesting motion and life with their fluid outlines against the structured horizon, creating a contrast between the human forms and the urban skyline.

Artwork Details

Medium
etching in brown on laid paper
Dimensions
4970 × 1694 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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