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The image shows a sketch viewed from a slightly elevated point, focusing on an architectural scene with a grand building featuring columns. The horizon is not clearly defined, and the drawing emphasizes architectural details and figures. The central structure has an arched opening and a classical facade, sketched with loose lines. The technique uses quick strokes, giving an impressionistic feel. The color palette is monochromatic, with shades of brown and sepia. Figures in motion and a horse-drawn carriage are depicted closer to the viewer, suggesting a bustling public area. Additional structures are hinted at in the background.
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The image shows a sketch viewed from a slightly elevated point, focusing on an architectural scene with a grand building featuring columns. The horizon is not clearly defined, and the drawing emphasizes architectural details and figures. The central structure has an arched opening and a classical facade, sketched with loose lines. The technique uses quick strokes, giving an impressionistic feel. The color palette is monochromatic, with shades of brown and sepia. Figures in motion and a horse-drawn carriage are depicted closer to the viewer, suggesting a bustling public area. Additional structures are hinted at in the background.

National Gallery of Art · Print

A Corner of the Palais Royal

James McNeill Whistler

Date
c. 1883/1886
Medium
etching and drypoint on laid paper
Dimensions
overall (trimmed to plate): 13.5 × 8.8 cm (5 5/16 × 3 7/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1949.5.266
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1876 to 1900
Department
CG-W
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • Horse
  • Costume
  • Building
  • Carriage
  • Figures
Provenance

Howard Mansfield [1849-1938], New York, (Lugt 1342); acquired by Harris Whittemore [1864-1927], Naugatuck, CT, 1919; (his sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, 18 January 1949, lot 295); (Charles Sessler, Philadelphia, PA); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald, Jenkintown, PA, 1949; gift to the NGA, 1949.

Inscription

on plate: (butterfly); on tab: (butterfly) imp; lower centre on the verso: A Corner of the Palais Royal, [sic] Paris; lower right on the verso: Ex vx (in script, erased)

Watermarks

none

NGA object ID 36720. 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.