Nelly 1867 - 1870

"Nelly" is a pencil sketch created by American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler between 1867 and 1870. The work depicts a woman seated in a chair, her figure obscured by a voluminous skirt and a wide-brimmed hat. Whistler is known for his exploration of light and shadow, and this work showcases his signature style of simplification and abstraction. The quick strokes and hazy lines contribute to a sense of fleetingness and informality. Despite the sketch's simplicity, the viewer is drawn to the subject's enigmatic pose and the artist's masterful use of line. This drawing is a testament to Whistler's early explorations in portraiture and his focus on capturing the essence of a subject.