W. Jones, Limeburner, Thames Street 1859

James McNeill Whistler made this etching titled 'W. Jones, Limeburner, Thames Street'. Whistler made the work while living in London, a rapidly industrializing city. Here, the artist offers us a glimpse into the life of a working-class man, W. Jones, set against the backdrop of his labor. The etching technique gives texture to the rough interior of the limeburner’s workspace, contrasting with the detail of Jones's clothes and figure. We can feel the weight of the history of labor in London through this work. Whistler often sought to capture the everyday life of the working class in London, and he elevates Jones's identity through the work. Though there is a stillness in the scene, the ladders behind Jones hint at movement, referencing the laboriousness of industrial labor. The image reflects the societal shifts and the human stories within London's urban landscape, capturing a moment of personal identity amidst the changing times.