Description

According to Thomas Wilson (1832-1901):

'The models which cadets copy when they enter the drawing class at West Point are known as "topographical convention signs." They illustrate the mode of depicting, with pen and ink, the various topographical features of a country, such as water, hills, trees, cultivated ground, etc. In a much shorter time than seemed possible, Whistler had finished the copy of the model given to him, and his work was most exquisite, far surpassing the model itself in accuracy and beauty of execution.' 1