Detail from The Canal, Amsterdam, 1889, James McNeill Whistler, The Hunterian, University of Glasgow

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Blue and Orange: Sweet Shop

Technique


                    Blue and Orange: Sweet Shop, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Blue and Orange: Sweet Shop, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The pale turquoise-blue band across the top of the shop contrasts strongly with the predominantly dark brown tones of the painting, which is on a grey primed panel. It is difficult to make out the technique because of the condition of the panel. However, it is clear that for all its small size, it was painted with quite bold strokes of thin paint. The square brushstrokes on the wall have an almost abstract quality, complementing the geometrical grid of the shop front. On the other hand, the detail of the child in white bonnet and apron, looking in the window, was expressively painted with smaller brushes.

Conservation History


                    Blue and Orange: Sweet Shop, photograph
Blue and Orange: Sweet Shop, photograph

There is fine crazing (craquelure) over the entire surface.

Frame

Small Dowdeswell, frame possibly made by Charles Mitchell May, 1886 [11.1 cm]. 1

Notes:

1: Dr S. L. Parkerson Day, Report on frames, 2017; see also Parkerson 2007 [more] .

Last updated: 21st November 2020 by Margaret