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Date 1889
Materials Etching and drypoint - brown ink on
wove paper
Dimensions 23.8 cm x 15.8 cm
Marks Signed on the plate with a butterfly at
the upper left; signed on the tab with a butterfly and inscribed
in pencil: "imp"
Further information GLAHA 46999.
Edward G. Kennedy, The Etched Work of Whistler, New York, The
Grolier Club, 1910 (410, 2nd of 3 states, or 3rd – 4th of
7 states).
Note This etching is one of a series Whistler
made on his return to Amsterdam in 1889. He focused on a single
building, rather than giving the viewer a glimpse of the wider
city. Because we can’t see the surrounding streets and houses,
which would give a feeling of space and depth, Whistler makes
this building appear flat, like a pattern. The brickwork and different
shaped windows and doorways add to the decorative effect. He used
the reflections in the canal to add to the patterning. Look how
the picture is divided into 5 horizontal bands: roof, main section,
cobbles, canal side and water. The effect is like a piece of flat
patterned fabric. The etching is also full of life. How many people
can you see? Remember to look in the windows!
What do you notice about this picture in comparison with the original image on the copper plate?
Related works GLAHA 50472, 46664, 49000, 49901.
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