Garden 1879 - 1880

Editor: This is James McNeill Whistler's "Garden," a print of undetermined date. I find its delicate lines and faded tones quite evocative. What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: I'm interested in Whistler's etching process. Look at the plate's surface, the labor involved in its creation, and the access to materials and resources it implies. What can this tell us about Whistler's position within the art market and the wider society? Editor: That’s a great way to contextualize the work. Thinking about the labor helps me appreciate the image even more. Thanks! Curator: Precisely! Examining production reveals the artist's social context and challenges conventional notions of artistic creation.