The Little Putney

James Abbott McNeill Whistler 1834 - 1903

Summary

The majority of this composition is empty space with all the landscape details in the middle ground and seen from a distance. The scene shows a large expanse of water with trees lining its banks in the distance and reflected in the water. On the right hand side, still seen in the distance, is a large building with windows looking out over the water and a wall lining the waters edge. Set slightly forwards from this, in the centre of the composition and in the centre of the water, is a boat with the sail beam lent down at a diagonal angle on the mast. The details of the boat are indistinct as it is heavily shaded against the still waters.