The Mouth of the River 1881 - 1883

"The Mouth of the River," painted by James Abbott McNeill Whistler between 1881-1883, is a watercolor painting that depicts a serene seascape. The artist's signature hazy style is present, particularly in the depiction of smoke rising from boats in the distance. The composition is anchored by a wide, sandy shore in the foreground, drawing the viewer's eye towards the bustling activity on the water. The painting exemplifies Whistler's artistic philosophy of "art for art's sake," emphasizing the aesthetic qualities of the subject matter rather than narrative or realism.