Accession Number
1954/1.438

Title
Conversation under the Statue, Luxembourg Gardens

Artist(s)
James Abbott McNeill Whistler

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1893

Medium & Support
transfer lithograph with stumping on laid paper

Dimensions
11 7/16 in x 9 1/4 in (29 cm x 23.5 cm);11 7/16 in x 9 1/4 in (29 cm x 23.5 cm);22 1/16 in x 18 1/8 in (56 cm x 46 cm)

Credit Line
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker

Label copy
Conversation Under the Statue, Luxembourg Gardens
1893
Transfer lithograph with stumping
Only state (Way 44; Chicago 69)
Bequest of Margaret Watson Parker, 1954/1.438
This scene in the Luxembourg Gardens does not focus on the geometry of its formal basins and walkways, but rather on a quiet part of the park where groups of people are gathered at the foot of a statue. Two seated women engaged in quiet conversation are seen from behind, as if the viewer has just strolled into their small cul-de-sac. Peripheral details are suppressed, as is often the case in these Paris prints, and the intimacy of the scene is underscored by the softness of the foliage in the background. This fine impression is another work that came from Queen Victoria’s collection at Windsor Castle.

Subject matter
Set in the Luxembourg Gardens of Paris, this scene does not describe the imposing terraces and stairs, but a quiet cul-de-sac where groups of people are quietly talking.
Whistler had considered offering this work for inclusion in "The Art Journal" but there was concern that the softeness of the stump, particularly visible in the trees behind the statue, would not allow for a large edition necessary for the publication.

Physical Description
In the lower left corner, two women are seen seated out of doors conversing in a park-like setting. In the middle distance is a large sculpture on a raised pedestal. Grouped around the sculpture are other small gatherings of people in conversation. Behind the figures and sculpture is the loose indication of trees.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Collection Area
Western

Rights
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Keywords
Figures
Paris
St. Jerome
armies
army
chairs (furniture forms)
gardens
gardens (open spaces)
seated
sitting
statue
statues
woman
women (female humans)