The Bridge, Santa Marta

Unlike his etchings from the French and Thames Sets, characterized by fine detail, Whistler’s Venetian etchings reveal his sensitivity to atmosphere. They capture a spirit of place through subtle effects. By leaving a veil of ink on the plate before printing, Whistler created delicate transitions of tone alongside the more precise marks of the etched line. This use of plate tone can be seen in the canal.

The artistry required for the careful inking of the plate makes each impression unique. To emphasize this, Whistler signed his prints with his butterfly monogram on a tab at the lower edge of the sheet. He charged double for etchings that bore this mark of the master!