The artwork titled “Violet and Blue: The Little Bathers,” painted by James McNeill Whistler in 1888, is rendered in oil on canvas. This piece belongs to the Tonalism art movement, distinguished by its emphasis on atmosphere and tone over detail. The dimensions of the artwork are 12.7 by 21.59 centimeters, and it is categorized under the landscape genre.
The artwork depicts a serene beach scene, where a group of children can be seen bathing in the shallow waters near the shore. The composition is dominated by soft hues of blue and violet, which blend harmoniously to evoke a tranquil and contemplative mood. The use of broad, sweeping strokes suggests the vastness of the sea, while the muted, earthy tones of the sandy foreground create a balanced contrast. The figures, though small and slightly indistinct, add a touch of life and movement to the calm seascape. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of peaceful solitude, characteristic of Whistler’s tonal approach.
