Detail from The Canal, Amsterdam, 1889, James McNeill Whistler, The Hunterian, University of Glasgow

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M.0208
May 18th, 1855

Artist: James McNeill Whistler
Date: 1855
Collection: Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Accession Number: 1970.121.38
Medium: pencil, pen and black ink
Support: beige paper laid down on card, originally in an album, p. 10
Size: 6 7/8 x 5 1/2-5 5/8" (175 x 140-143 mm)
Signature: none
Inscription: 'May. 18th (55.)' (written in pen over pencil)
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May 18th, 1855

Description

May 18th, 1855, Metropolitan Museum of Art
May 18th, 1855, Metropolitan Museum of Art

It shows a man smoking while sitting on and beating a big drum. It may be a representation of events occurring during the Kansas elections, when there were allegations of ballot rigging in attempts to ensure that Kansas did not elect pro-slavery delegates.

Last updated: 14th March 2021 by Margaret