James McNeill Whistler

Two men sitting in a bar

Date c.1887
Materials Pen and brown ink on laid paper
Dimensions 15.1 cm x 9.7 cm
Marks Watermark: lion on top of a crown over "Parkins / Royal F" (incomplete)
Further information GLAHA 46131.
Margaret F. MacDonald, James McNeill Whistler: Drawings, Pastels and Watercolours: A Catalogue Raisonne, New Haven and London, Yale University Press, 1995 (1160).

Note This drawing is simple but full of character and charm. Notice how with only a few lines Whistler conveyed something of the stylish character of the figure in the jaunty top hat, shown standing in profile on the right. Look how energetic and lively the pen marks that depict the two seated figures are. Their backs are turned to the viewer and they are shown in shadow. Whistler very cleverly drew the lamps on the table with far fewer and more broken lines in order to suggest their brightness. He enjoyed playing with contrasts between areas of light and shadow to create visual interest, e.g. The Music Room and The Duet. This drawing also demonstrates his interest in capturing the essence of modern city life and dress.

Related works GLAHA 46721, 49081.