St. James Street, London c. 1878

James McNeill Whistler made this etching of St. James Street, London, during a time of rapid industrial and social transformation in Britain. Here, the image shows the bustling streetscape of London, filled with horse-drawn carriages, pedestrians, and the architectural facades of buildings. It offers a glimpse into the socio-economic dynamics of the city. Whistler, an American expatriate, was part of the Aesthetic movement, which valued art for its own sake, rather than for its social or political commentary. Yet, the image hints at the class divisions and the changing urban landscape of Victorian London. Art historians like myself examine such images for clues about the social conditions that shaped artistic production. By consulting historical records, maps, and social surveys, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, society, and the institutions that govern them.