Whistler & Co. includes more than sixty etchings by James Abbott McNeill Whistler and ten of his contemporaries from Britain, France, and America. Whistler’s gritty images of the River Thames and views of Venice and Paris revived, in part, the art of etching in the 19th century.
Closing April 11, 2021
ABOUT WHISTLER AND THE ETCHING REVIVAL:
The etching revival emerged in France and England around the middle of the nineteenth century. Proponents of the movement advocated for the medium as an independent mode of expression for the artist, as opposed to its use merely as a means of replicating paintings. Rembrandt and the etchers of the Dutch golden age inspired this group of artists who were active in France, England, and the United States. The spontaneity of etching—a process during which the artist sketches with a needle directly on the copper plate—paved the way for unique lyrical and poetic artistic expressions.
Among the earliest proponents of etching in the 1840s and 50s were members of the Barbizon School such as Charles-François Daubigny, Charles Emil Jacques, and Charles Meryon. Groups of artists in Paris and London formed societies and artists’ organizations which were dedicated to the promotion of etchings. These societies published and marketed works by members to the general public.
James McNeill Whistler played a key role in the movement, having worked in both Paris and London, influencing a large number of artists, including a cadre of young Americans, especially during his time in Venice. Whistler created nearly 500 etchings over the course of his more than five decades-long career. The artist influenced tastes, earning both critical praise and commercial success with his etchings.
WHISTLER & CO. IS SUPPORTED BY:
IFPDA
Weinstein Properties
Whistler & Company: The Etching Revival is organized by the Reading Public Museum, Reading, Pennsylvania.
Image Credit: Jules Bastien-Lepage (French, 1848 – 1884), Retour des Champs (Return from the Fields), 1878, etching, Museum Purchase. Reading Public Museum, Reading, Pennsylvania.
WHISTLER & CO. EXHIBITION OPENING DAY
Saturday, January 16, 12-9PM
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Be the first to view this remarkable exhibition of over 60 prints by Whistler and his contemporaries, enjoy light refreshments, and tour the museum galleries at a one hour time slot during the day. Each time features a complimentary refreshment or live music. Museum members are invited to attend an exclusive one-of-a-kind gallery/exhibition tour with Curator of Collections, Lindsay Neal, and a complimentary champagne toast during the hours of 7-8pm and 8-9pm!
Each time slot accommodates 10-15 people, all guests are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
Non-Members: $5 | Members: Free with advance registration*
*Reservations for free tickets are mandatory. Please note that if you reserve a ticket, are unable to attend and forget to let us know, you will be charged a $5 ‘no-show’ fee.
Schedule:
12-1pm: live music
1-2pm: complimentary hot chocolate
2-3pm: live music
3-4pm: complimentary tea
4-5pm: complimentary cookies
5-6pm: complimentary tea
6-7pm: complimentary hot chocolate
Members Only 7-8pm: guided tour with Curator Lindsay Neal and champagne toast
Members Only 8-9pm: guided tour with Curator Lindsay Neal and champagne toast
PRINTMAKING: THE FUTURE AND THE PAST
Friday, February 5, 7-9PM
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Brendan Baylor, Assistant Professor of Printmaking at Old Dominion University, will share the various forms of printmaking at this limited evening event. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an exhibition tour with Curator Lindsay Neal and explore the galleries. An indoor bar will offer soft drinks, beer, and wine available for purchase. All guests are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
Members: $7 | Non-Members: $9
TICKET SALES HAVE ENDED
PRINT NIGHT!
Friday, February 26, 7-9PM
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Join us for an exciting evening of hands-on printmaking! Create your own one-of-a-kind printed gift and enjoy soft drinks, beer, and wine available for purchase after hours. All guests are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
Members: $7 | Non-Members: $9
SOLD OUT
WHISTLER & CO. COMMUNITY DAY
Saturday, March 27, 10-2PM
Free and open to the public
Learn More
–Live printmaking workshop with Norfolk State University faculty & students
-Children & Family printmaking station
-Gardens & Grounds scavenger hunt
-Grand Opening of the NEW Kids Room
-Guided tours of the Museum and Sloane Collection
-Free admission to Whistler & Company: The Etching Revival exhibition
-Food Trucks and more!
Rain date: April 4
