Accession Number1954/1.331
TitleThe Kitchen, one of the "Twelve Etchings from Nature," or the "French Set"
Artist(s)James Abbott McNeill WhistlerArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1856-1858Medium & Supportetching on printed on Japan paper, laid down on white wove plate paperDimensions 11 1/4 in x 8 1/16 in (28.58 cm x 20.48 cm)
Subject matterBased on a watercolor, this etching employs sharp juxtapositions of light and dark to create a sense of mystery; this dramatic use of light recalls Dutch 17th century prints, which were very popular at the time and which Whistler admired. "The Kitchen" became one of the most popular and sought after plates from the "French Set."
Physical DescriptionA dark interior view is shown with a deep recessed space. At the end of the space is a window; the recessed space is full of reflected light and a woman is seen framed against the bright view out the window. Closer to the viewer, the foreground is filled with domestic objects: furniture on the left with vases stored on top; a wall rack with plates stored on the right and other objects with basins or pots below the plates.
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Keywords
Vessels
interior views
kitchens
standing
window