The Little Pool 1861

Editor: Here we have James Abbott McNeill Whistler’s etching, The Little Pool. The detail is incredible, capturing everyday life on the Thames. What do you see in this work? Curator: I see the labor and materials involved in creating this image. The plate itself, the etching process, and the social context of a rapidly industrializing London. Whistler elevated what was once considered a mere reproductive craft to the level of fine art. What do you think? Editor: That's fascinating, how Whistler redefined art. So, it's not just about the image, but about the act of making itself and its connection to the city's transformation? Curator: Precisely! It's about the labor involved in both depicting and shaping this landscape. Thinking about it, I never thought about it that way before. Thanks!