The Staircase Note in Red 1880

"The Staircase Note in Red" is a pastel drawing by American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler from 1880. Known for his atmospheric and tonal compositions, Whistler captures a Venetian scene with delicate strokes and muted colors. The work features a prominent staircase against a muted, warm-toned backdrop, conveying a sense of depth and space. Whistler's "The Staircase Note in Red" exemplifies his focus on capturing the essence of a subject rather than strict realism, reflecting the aesthetic principles of his influential "Art for Art's Sake" movement.