The Kitchen, one of the "Twelve Etchings from Nature," or the "French Set"

Accession Number
1954/1.331

Title
The Kitchen, one of the "Twelve Etchings from Nature," or the "French Set"

Artist(s)
James Abbott McNeill Whistler

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1856-1858

Medium & Support
etching on printed on Japan paper, laid down on white wove plate paper

Dimensions
11 1/4 in x 8 1/16 in (28.58 cm x 20.48 cm)

Subject matter
Based 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 Description
A 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.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Collection Area
Western

Rights
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Keywords
Vessels
interior views
kitchens
standing
window

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