The Blue Dress 1871

"The Blue Dress" (1871) is a charcoal drawing by the American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler. The work depicts a woman, seen from behind, in a long, flowing dress. Whistler's signature, "Whistler," can be seen at the bottom of the drawing along with other markings. The drawing is an example of Whistler's interest in capturing the beauty of everyday life. The loose, expressive lines of the drawing and the simple composition suggest a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. While known for his Nocturnes, Whistler's talent for capturing the human figure is evident in this piece.