The Doorway c. 1879

"The Doorway", a c. 1879 etching by American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, exemplifies the artist's signature style. This print, created during Whistler's time in Venice, captures the essence of a doorway, with its intricate architectural details and a single figure entering the dark interior. The piece showcases the artist's unique approach to tonal values and composition, which emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow. Whistler was known for his artistic theory "Art for art's sake", evident in the focus on form and aesthetics over narrative representation.