View across the Lagoon 1880

James Abbott McNeill Whistler made this drawing of Venice using pastel on paper. Pastel is a medium of pure pigment, ground and formed into sticks, its powdery texture lending itself well to atmospheric effects like the light on the lagoon. Think about the way the drawing was made. Whistler built up layers of color, one on top of another, creating a shimmering surface that seems to vibrate with light. The strokes of pastel are visible, a reminder of the artist's hand and the labor involved in creating this image. The brown paper support peeks through, unifying the composition. Whistler was fascinated by Japanese prints, and we can see that influence here in the composition, with its emphasis on asymmetrical balance and the use of empty space. But he was also interested in capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. The use of pastel allowed him to work quickly, capturing the ephemeral beauty of the Venetian lagoon. Ultimately, the way he made it is inseparable from the feeling the image conveys.