“The artwork, titled ‘View across the Lagoon,’ was created by James McNeill Whistler between 1879 and 1880. Executed in pencil and belonging to the Tonalism art movement, this landscape measures 22.86 by 17.15 cm.”
The artwork presents a tranquil and evocative landscape with a focus on subtle gradations of tone and atmospheric effects characteristic of the Tonalism movement. The scene appears to depict a lagoon at dusk or dawn, bathed in muted hues of yellow and blue that blend seamlessly into the paper’s natural tone. The drawing captures the interplay of light and shadow on the water’s surface, with reflections delicately rendered to convey a sense of calm and harmony. The composition is ethereal, with forms and structures suggested rather than explicitly detailed, inviting the viewer to engage in a contemplative experience.
