De smidse 1879 - 1883

"De smidse" (The Smithy), an etching by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, depicts a dimly lit forge with a large window allowing light to illuminate the space. Whistler, known for his artistic style and mastery of line, captures the essence of the blacksmith's workshop with a loose, expressive stroke. This print, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, demonstrates Whistler's interest in the beauty of everyday life, rendered through an artistic lens. The etching evokes a sense of atmosphere and movement, inviting viewers to imagine the sounds and heat of the blacksmith's work.