Freer Gallery of Art: Whistler in Watercolors

The new exhibit at the Freer Gallery of Art in Washington, DC features watercolors by James McNeill Whistler.  They are by and large small works with delicately executed precision.  Genius personified.  Whistler demonstrates this genius in his exquisite control of a medium without controls.  I went seeking inspiration.  I was not disappointed.

The images are most often placed within large, gilded frames in keeping with the fashion of the times in which they were painted.  As you can see, the size of the frame is actually a bit of a distraction in the company of such humble works.  Therefore, I have taken the liberty to crop out the frames so that the works can speak for themselves.

While part of their charm is their muted palette.  This was not the intention of Whistler.  Both contemporary descriptions of the the works and examination comparing the condition of the pigment indicates clear and obvious loss of hue.

The images are organized chronologically and thematically.  I will just provide headers that correspond to those found in the exhibit.  I have selected one or two images from each grouping.

FIRST WATERCOLOR

"Grey and Silver--Liverpool"

1881-1883

EARLY WORKS

 "Note in Blue and Opal--Jersey"

1881

 "London Bridge"

1881

SEASCAPES AND RIVER VIEWS

 "St. Ives; Cornwall"

1884

 "The Anchorage"

1882-1884

 "Grey and Silver--Pier; Southend"

1882-1883

DOMESTIC INTERIORS

 "Violet and Amber--Tea"

1882-1884

"Bravura in Brown"

1883-1884

IN THE STUDIO

 "Milly Finch"

1883-1884

 NOCTURNES

 "Nocturne; Grey and Gold--Canal, Holland"

1882

 "Nocturne; Grand Canal, Amsterdam"

1882

STREET SCENES

"Flower Market; Dieppe"

1885