The Palaces, Venice

A significant figure in the history of printmaking, Whistler was a prolific etcher. Although the lure of fame and greater compensation attracted him to painting, his work in etching established his early career. Profoundly influenced by the etchings of Rembrandt and other 17th-century Dutch masters, Whistler made series of etchings based on his travels in Europe.

Relocating to London in 1859, Whistler began a series of etchings of the Thames River, to which Westminster Bridge belongs. The successful reception of the “Thames Set” in 1871 identified him as a leading proponent of the etching revival. Whistler’s depiction of familiar monuments transcends typical hackneyed touristic renderings. Although based on observation, his portrayal exceeds mere transcription. Instead, he conveyed wide expanses of sky and water through subtle tonal variations and selective etched marks, creating a recognizable view transformed by the manner in which he depicted it.