James McNeill Whistler (Lowell, Massachusetts, 1834 - 1903, London, England)
Billingsgate, 1859
Etching and drypoint on Japanese gampi paper, 15.2 x 22.5 cm (6 x 8 7/8 in.)
This ink etching depicts a busy dock scene from the perspective of someone in the stern of a boat. There are several figures in the bow of this boat who are wearing hats; three are seated and two standing figures face each other and appear to be engaged in conversation. A body of water is visible to our right alongside this boat. Behind is a row of sailboats moored at this dock with many people on them. Extending behind these boats in the distance is an arched brick bridge. To our left is a busy dock with a stairway that leads up to a row of brick buildings with arched windows and doorways.
Short Gallery
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.