The artwork entitled “Symphony in Grey and Green: The Ocean” was created by James McNeill Whistler between the years 1866 and 1872. It is rendered in oil on canvas, adhering to the Realism movement, and features dimensions of 101.9 by 80.7 centimeters. The piece belongs to the genre of marina, capturing the essence of the sea.
In this serene portrayal, Whistler has masterfully depicted the tranquility of the ocean. The composition presents a calm, expansive view of the sea, characterized by muted tones of green and grey. The gentle gradient of colors from the foreground to the horizon emphasizes the vastness of the scene. The overcast sky, brushed with soft streaks, merges seamlessly with the placid waters, creating an atmosphere of stillness. The presence of a few anchored ships in the distance adds a sense of scale and depth, while the subtle representation of the shoreline and sparse foliage in the foreground evokes a contemplative mood. The artwork exemplifies Whistler’s delicate handling of color and form, aiming to evoke an emotional response through a harmonious balance of visual elements.
