The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of September 10, 2026

A vertically oriented etching in black ink on beige paper depicts two massive bridge piers rising from rippling water. These structures frame a distant horizon with thin chimneys. Tiny figures stand atop the high, horizontal walkway connecting the piers. Sketchy, heavy strokes create dark reflections across the foreground water. A faint butterfly monogram floats in the sky, while the vertical composition emphasizes the scale of the weathered wooden supports.

The Tall Bridge

1878

James McNeill Whistler

(American, 1834–1903)
America
etching
Bequest of James Parmelee 1940.817
Catalogue raisonné: Way 9
Location: Not on view
  • {{cite web|title=The Tall Bridge|url=false|author=James McNeill Whistler|year=1878|access-date=10 September 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1940.817