Storytelling in Miniature

On the Thames

Etching, 1910
2 3/4 x 6 1/4 in.
Gift of Alice Roullier, 1933.240

While France and Italy supplied most of MacLaughlan’s artistic inspiration, he also travelled a good deal in Great Britain. In London MacLaughlan emulated Whistler by producing a number of etchings inspired by the River Thames. In the far background of this print, beyond the wharves, the artist has etched two circular fuel tanks. These modern structures were likely not yet present when Whistler began his landmark series The Thames Set in 1859.