James McNeill Whistler: Lithographs from the Steven L. Block Collection at the Speed Art Museum

A black-and-white print of the silhouette of a city just beyond a foggy river on which a person paddles a canoe.
January 23–April 27, 2014
Second floor

American-born James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903) spent his adult life in three of Europe’s most picturesque cities: London, Paris, and Venice. While he is best known for his exquisite painted portraits, he was also a gifted printmaker who pushed the mediums of lithography and etching into new directions.

This exhibition showcases the outstanding collection from the Speed Art Museum and represents the full range of Whistler’s lithographic career, from his early experiments in 1878 to the last works he produced before abandoning the medium in 1897. It consists of over 40 exceptional examples of the artist’s technique and includes his ethereal images of London’s River Thames at night, as well as his daringly modern depictions of family and friends. The exhibition is accompanied by eight of Whistler’s etchings from the Carter’s collection.

James McNeill Whistler

Nocturne, 1878

Lithotint on blue-gray paper laid down on white wove paper

A black-and-white print of the silhouette of a city just beyond a foggy river on which a person paddles a canoe.

James McNeill Whistler

Yellow House, Lannion, 1893

Color transfer lithograph in black, three grays, green, and ochre on Japan paper

A color print of a sketch of a four-story house with green shutters, yellow moss on the roof, and two figures standing in the street below.

James McNeill Whistler

Draped Figure, Reclining, 1892

Color transfer lithograph in gray, green, pink, yellow, blue, and purple on thin laid Japan paper

A color print of a sketch of a White woman wearing a loose gown lounging on a sofa.

James McNeill Whistler

The Sisters, 1894-95

Transfer lithograph on fine laid paper

A black-and-white print of a sketch of two women in long dresses standing in a garden outside of a building.

Installation Photos

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All Exhibitions

James McNeill Whistler: Lithographs from the Steven L. Block Collection at the Speed Art Museum has been organized by the Speed Art Museum, Louisville, Kentucky.