The artwork, titled “Chelsea Houses,” was created by James McNeill Whistler between 1880 and 1887. This cityscape, which falls under the Tonalism art movement, measures 13.3 x 23.5 cm. “Chelsea Houses” captures an urban scene, likely part of the Chelsea district in London. The artwork displays an understated, atmospheric quality, characteristic of Whistler’s Tonalist approach. The composition has a dark, almost monochromatic palette, with subtle gradations of color and light to evoke a sense of quietude and mystery. The front of the houses, with their muted tones and soft, hazy edges, project a serene and contemplative mood, inviting the viewer to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary and the often overlooked aspects of urban life. The doors and windows, though understated in detail, form the primary focus, anchoring the scene in a specific, yet evocatively generic, sense of place.
