Nocturne: Palaces

Whistler, James McNeill, 1834-1903 · [1879–1880]

At the left, where two canals meet, a large palace in strong light rises from the water's edge. A balcony and the projecting guards of the upper windows cast long shadows on the wall below, in which is a round-arched narrow doorway. On the corner at the right is a tall building, with door and windows slightly indicated. Beyond is a bridge, above which a lantern throws diverging rays. Further away, at the left, the corner of another palace appears. A solitary boat lies by the wall of the nearest palace. The sky is dark and there are deep shadows in the canals.