Wheelwright 1880

Editor: So, this etching is called "Wheelwright" by James McNeill Whistler. The scene depicts laborers inside a workshop, and the lines really emphasize the grit and hard work. What’s your take on it? Curator: It’s fascinating to consider Whistler, often celebrated for his aestheticism, depicting such manual labor. The etching process itself, the biting of the plate, mirrors the harshness of the work. How does Whistler elevate this scene, moving it beyond mere documentation of labor? Editor: Maybe by showing the beauty in their process, in the repetitive nature of crafting wheels. Curator: Exactly. It challenges the traditional hierarchy that separates ‘fine art’ from the more hands-on crafts. It makes you think about the value of labor, doesn’t it? Editor: It really does. I'll definitely look at etchings differently now!