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.
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
Print
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.