Technique

Only the centre of the watercolour is complete, a ship and a few roofs painted vividly with a fine brush in brown sienna. The rest of the picture surface was filled in with broad washes of grey as a sudden shower brought the painting session to an abrupt end. The surface was spattered with raindrops.

Style and content blend to perfection. With consumate skill Whistler turned the moment to advantage, catching the rich contrast of colours, the lowering grey of clouds and swirling mists complementing the rich colours of the harbour, sparkling in the rain.

Conservation History

The paper appears to be wove, possibly cartridge, but with little tooth. Although browned, the paint appears unaffected.