James McNeill Whistler Au bord de la mer

Date c.1885
Materials Watercolour on paper laid down on card
Dimensions 12.6 cm x 21.5 cm
Marks Signed with a butterfly at the lower right; stamped on verso: "L. CORNELISSEN, 22, GREAT QUEEN ST.W.C"
Further information GLAHA 46100.
Margaret F. MacDonald, James McNeill Whistler: Drawings, Pastels and Watercolours: A Catalogue Raisonné, New Haven and London, Yale University Press, 1995 (1027).

Note This watercolour, entitled “At the Sea Side”, was painted in Dieppe in France. Whistler, who was keen to depict modern life in all its aspects, here focused on the leisure activities of the middle classes. The watercolour also shows Whistler’s interest in patterning, the artist balancing the geometric lines of the awning structure with the softer figures of the fashionable holiday makers. He also wanted to contrast and balance the dark artificial colours of the tourists’ outfits with the softer natural colours of sand, sea and sky. The overall effect is of a harmony and control. However, despite the sense of design and structure, the watercolour is painted in a summary way, giving the impression of ease and informality. Whistler again shows himself to be interested in the fashions of the ladies' dresses but their elegance is only suggested and little detail is provided.