Street at Saverne

James McNeill Whistler

1858 · Etching and open bite or sandpaper ground; fourth state of four (Glasgow); printed in black ink on buff colored Japan paper · Drawings and Prints

After visiting the Alsatian town of Saverne in the summer of 1858, Whistler produced his first etched "Nocturne." Sharp recession heightens the irregular forms of old buildings, with a gas lantern hanging at right casting deep shadows. The choice of blue paper and artistic inking, carried out by the leading Parisian printer Auguste Delâtre, enhance the effect. Whistler included this work in his first published set, "Douze eaux-fortes d’après nature" (Twelve Etchings from Nature), which he always referred to as the "French Set."

Artist

James McNeill Whistler

Date

1858

Medium

Etching and open bite or sandpaper ground; fourth state of four (Glasgow); printed in black ink on buff colored Japan paper

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Bequest of Julia H. Manges, in memory of her husband, Dr. Morris Manges, 1960