
Read the visual description
The image shows a group of figures sketched in an etching style. In the foreground to the left, there is a seated person. This person appears to be a woman with a headscarf or bonnet and long flowing hair. Opposite, on the right side, are several figures seated closely together. One figure holds a child on their lap, who is facing forward. Other figures can be seen in partial profiles, fading into the background. The figures' clothing is textured with fine lines but lacks detailed adornment. In the background, there is an architectural element resembling a window with a shutter or bars. The setting appears to be indoors, with no exterior elements visible. The scene conveys a quiet, intimate grouping within a shaded area.
National Gallery of Art · Print
Bead-Stringers
James McNeill Whistler
- Date
- 1879/1880
- Medium
- etching and drypoint in dark brown on Asian laid paper
- Dimensions
- plate: 22.7 x 15.24 cm (8 15/16 x 6 in.) sheet (includes tab with inscription): 23.18 x 15.24 cm (9 1/8 x 6 in.)
- Classification
- Accession number
- 1943.3.8530
- Credit line
- Rosenwald Collection
- Time span
- 1876 to 1900
- Department
- CG-W
Portfolio and series
- Series
- Venice, a Series of Twenty-six Etchings
Subjects and terms
- American
- Seated figure
- Figures
Provenance
(Knoedler & Co., New York, stock no. 36557). Bought by Lessing Julius Rosenwald [1891-1971], Philadelphia, (Lugt 1760b); gift to NGA, 1943.
Inscription
on plate: (butterfly) / 37 (above door); on tab: butterfly 'imp.'; butterfly of 1886/1887; lower right on verso: MK 36557 / 0227-400 (the '400' erased) / 31' (underlined)
Watermarks
none
NGA object ID 11027. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.