St. John the Apostle Evangelist 1875

James McNeill Whistler made this drawing of St. John the Apostle Evangelist in brown wash over graphite. We can see in it Whistler's interest in Venice, where he spent over a year making paintings, prints, and drawings. In this work, he is interested in representing an impressive building through an archway. Venice was a popular destination for artists and writers in the 19th century. One effect of this popularity was that a number of institutions were established to maintain the cultural heritage of the city. These institutions indirectly influenced how artists perceived and represented the city. Whistler's choice to depict Venice, and specifically its architecture, reflects a desire to engage with the city's artistic traditions and to explore its unique visual character. We can better understand this artwork by examining tourist guides, exhibition reviews, and conservation reports related to the city. This gives us insights into the complex social and institutional dynamics that shaped art in Venice at the time.