'James McNeill Whistler: 40 Years of Printmaking' opens May 26 at Sheldon

Forty etchings and lithographs from the Sheldon Museum of Art's permanent collection will be shown together for the first time in "James McNeill Whistler: 40 Years of Printmaking." The exhibition opens May 26 at the museum, 12th and R streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus, and continues on view through Sept. 20.

The works, dating from 1859 to 1899, include prints from two well-known portfolios, the Thames Set and the French Set. The most widely recognized pieces in the exhibition include "Black Lion Wharf" (1859), "Bibi Lalouette" (1859), "Early Morning Battersea" (1878), and "Savoy Pigeons" (1896). Numerous works in the exhibition were the gifts of James A. and Ann K. Rawley and the F. M. Hall Family. Ann Rawley will speak about the works during an opening reception at the museum 5 to 7 p.m. May 26.

As is evident in prints from the Thames Set, Whistler was especially interested in harbor scenes. While living in London, the artist gravitated toward the less fashionable neighborhood of Chelsea, crowded with barges, factories and decaying buildings. In addition to scenes along the Thames, the collection includes a number of intimate portraits of family, friends and acquaintances of Whistler as well as other images that will give viewers a glimpse into the world of one of the greatest and most influential printmakers of the 19th century.

The exhibition also includes a selection of works from the collection of Norman and Judy Zlotsky, of artists who were influenced by Whistler. The Zlotskys have also lent two Whistler prints for the exhibition.

This exhibition is made possible with support from James and Rhonda Seacrest.

Sheldon Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of more than 12,000 objects focusing on American art. The museum is open free to the public during regular hours. The museum's new hours, beginning June 1, are: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays. For information or to arrange a tour, call (402) 472-4524. Additional information is also available on the Sheldon Web site, www.sheldon.unl.edu.