The Seashore, 1883-1885
James Abbott McNeill Whistlerexpand_more
Oil on thin boardexpand_more
Gift of Dr. John and Colles Larkin and the John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 2009.16.3
Not on Viewexpand_more
Pigments almost the sheerness of a glaze stroked subtly onto the surface of a panel is a hallmark of James Whistler's technique. In The Seashore three bands of color serve as visual shorthand for shore, sea and sky. Each stroke of the ships and figures, as well as the artist's butterfly monogram at bottom right, are distinct elements justified only by their role in achieving perfect balance within the composition.
Whistler realized that small oils like The Seashore would run counter to conventions about the size and degree of finish expected for an exhibition picture at that period. He relished the prospect of the ruckus they would create. One critic was charmed, however, and dubbed them "pygmy pictures" with "big souls."
The frame is a period reproduction of a design that Whistler created specifically for his little oils to emphasize their aesthetic importance and, undoubtedly, their degree of presence overall.
Frame: Gift of the Mr. and Mrs. James S. Nordlie Fund
Details
- Title
- The Seashore
- Artist Life
- 1834–1903
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2009.16.3
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.