Old Hungerford Bridge 1861

Editor: Here we have James McNeill Whistler's etching, "Old Hungerford Bridge." It's a busy scene, lots of boats on the Thames, but rendered with such delicate lines. What catches your eye in this print? Curator: Ah, Whistler! He was a master of suggestion. I'm drawn to the way he captures the ephemeral quality of light on the water. The bridge itself, more scaffolding than solid structure, seems almost like a dream. Do you feel a sense of nostalgia here, even for a time we never knew? Editor: Definitely! It's like a fleeting moment, beautifully preserved. It makes me think about how cities are constantly changing, being built and rebuilt. Thanks for sharing your insight! Curator: My pleasure. Art is a mirror, reflecting not just what was, but what could be, and that’s a bridge to understanding ourselves.