Whistler: Catalogue Raisonné

Whistler Etchings :: Home


This project explores the creative processes of the American-born artist, James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903), as an etcher and printer. A major figure in 19th century printmaking, he created 490 etchings. The evolution of each etching from the copper plate through different states to the final print is investigated, and illustrated. Some etchings were completed at one sitting, others went through twenty states before the artist was satisfied. Over 9500 impressions of these prints have been located and investigated during our research.


Glossary:

James McNeill Whistler, The Rialto, 1879 -80. Photograph: Fine Arts Society