The artwork entitled “Crepuscule in Opal Trouville” was crafted by the artist James McNeill Whistler in the year 1865. It is an oil painting on canvas, with dimensions measuring approximately 34.93 by 46.04 centimeters. The painting is classified within the Realism movement and can be categorized as a landscape genre.
“Crepuscule in Opal Trouville” depicts a serene coastal scene with the quality of light during twilight being a predominant feature. The horizon is gently delineated by a soft glow, suggesting the presence of the setting or rising sun, obscured by a hazy atmosphere. The sky, vast and enveloping, employs a delicate palette of subtle grays, opals, and faint hues of yellow and orange, elegantly grading into each other, conveying the ephemeral moments of dusk or dawn.
The sea is calm, hinting at the reflective tranquility of water during such tranquil times of day. There are suggestions of the shoreline, with minimal definition, and a few discernible rock forms emerging from the water, their contours softly blended into the surroundings. The composition is poised with a sense of balance and repose, inviting contemplation and evoking a deep sense of place. Whistler’s mastery of tonal variation and his restrained approach to color harmonies contribute to the timeless and evocative quality of this artwork. The artist’s affinity for capturing the subtle transitions of light and his contribution to the Realist movement’s exploration of atmospheric effects is clearly exemplified in this piece.
