Archway, Brussels

A dramatically arched gate marks the entrance to the narrow Impasse des Liserons, just off the High Street in Brussels, Belgium. Whistler included signage clearly identifying the enterprise at left, fronting the High Street itself. The door stands invitingly open, the windows are crammed with goods, and the shop sign “VANDENBROECK · DE BECKER · BOULANGER · 337.” identifies a bakery that served the old working-class neighborhood of Les Marolles.