The artwork entitled “Colour Scheme for the Dining-Room of Aubrey House” is a creation by artist James McNeill Whistler, dated around 1873. This piece is an exemplification of the Tonalism art movement and serves as a sketch and study for an interior design. The dimensions of the artwork are modest, measuring approximately 18.42 by 12.7 centimeters.
The artwork is marked by a vertical composition and is dominated by a rich, golden yellow hue. It is segmented into bands of varying shades of yellow with subtle infusion of other colors. The upper part of the artwork displays a bright, almost metallic sheen of gold, while the middle section showcases a paler, creamier version of yellow that appears intentionally distressed or antiqued, revealing the texture of the material beneath. At the bottom, a more saturated burst of gold stands out, framed above and below by thin, darker lines that could suggest structural elements like dado rails in a room. Notable are the flecks of gold that add a tactile complexity to the piece, giving it a sense of depth and luxury.
There is an inscription at the bottom of the artwork, “Dining Room looking North,” which reflects the artist’s intention for this work to serve as a concept or guide for the ambient color of a particular space. The use of color in the artwork is characteristic of Whistler’s sophisticated and often subtle approach to palette.
The overall impression of the artwork is one of elegance and restraint, with a sumptuous quality that would contribute to a serene and cohesive dining room environment according to the color theory principles of the period.
