“Sketch for Nocturne in Blue and Gold Valparaiso Bay,” painted in oil on canvas by James McNeill Whistler in 1866, exemplifies the Realism art movement. The artwork dimensions are 76.84 x 50.8 cm, and it falls within the landscape genre.
The artwork depicts a tranquil yet somewhat somber scene of Valparaiso Bay. Dominated by a muted color palette of blues and earthy tones, it captures the serene atmosphere of the waterfront at dusk or early evening. A ship with tall masts is anchored in the bay, its sails faintly visible against the backdrop of calm waters and a distant, hazy horizon. The use of soft brushstrokes and subtle gradients of color convey a sense of depth and tranquility. A pier or wharf extends diagonally across the lower portion of the canvas, adding dynamic lines to the composition. The ethereal quality of the scene, coupled with the gentle diffusion of light, evokes a dreamlike ambiance, reflecting Whistler’s skill in creating atmospheric mood through his art.
