The image is an etching of an individual shown from the waist up. The person is positioned seated and slightly facing to the left, their gaze directed toward the viewer. The individual's facial features include a prominent nose, a beard, and mustache, with an expression that comes off as contemplative. The hair is of medium length, brushed back and appears somewhat textured. The person is wearing a loose, flowing garment that drapes around their shoulders and body, with visible folds and lines indicating the fabric's texture. One of their hands is visible, holding an object that appears to be a small, thin stick. The background is plain, with subtle shading, creating contrast and drawing attention to the subject.
Read the visual description

The image is an etching of an individual shown from the waist up. The person is positioned seated and slightly facing to the left, their gaze directed toward the viewer. The individual's facial features include a prominent nose, a beard, and mustache, with an expression that comes off as contemplative. The hair is of medium length, brushed back and appears somewhat textured. The person is wearing a loose, flowing garment that drapes around their shoulders and body, with visible folds and lines indicating the fabric's texture. One of their hands is visible, holding an object that appears to be a small, thin stick. The background is plain, with subtle shading, creating contrast and drawing attention to the subject.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Axenfeld

James McNeill Whistler

Date
1859
Medium
drypoint on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 22.86 x 15.24 cm (9 x 6 in.) sheet: 23.18 x 15.88 cm (9 1/8 x 6 1/4 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1949.5.533
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1851 to 1875
Department
CG-W

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • figure
  • Seated figure
  • Male figure
  • Portrait
  • Man
Provenance

Howard Mansfield [1849-1938], New York, (Lugt 1342); ( A. A. Hahlo & Co., New York); purchased by Harris Whittemore [1864-1927], Naugatuck, CT, 1919; (his sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, 17 January 1949, lot 138); (Charles Sessler, Philadelphia, PA); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald, Jenkintown, PA, 1949; gift to the NGA, 1949.

Inscription

on plnate: Whistler. 1860. ('6' reversed)

Watermarks

partial: ...KE...

NGA object ID 36987. 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.