Arrangement in Flesh Colour and Black: Portrait of Theodore Duret

"Arrangement in Flesh Colour and Black: Portrait of Theodore Duret" is a painting by American artist James McNeill Whistler, completed in 1883. The work depicts Theodore Duret, a French art critic and collector who was a supporter of Whistler's work. The painting is notable for its innovative use of color and composition, reflecting Whistler's interest in harmony and aesthetic arrangement. Duret is portrayed seated, with a contemplative expression, against a dark background that emphasizes the figure's lighter tones. The painting exemplifies Whistler's approach to portraiture, focusing on the interplay of color rather than strict realism. It is part of a series of portraits that Whistler created during this period, which often featured friends and patrons. The work is currently housed in the collection of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The exact circumstances of the commission and the relationship between Whistler and Duret are not extensively documented.

"Arrangement in Flesh Colour and Black: Portrait of Theodore Duret" is an oil on canvas painting by James McNeill Whistler, created in 1883. The composition features a seated male figure, Theodore Duret, positioned against a dark background that emphasizes the subject's form. Duret is depicted in a three-quarter view, wearing a black coat and a white shirt, with a subtle play of light across his face and hands. The color palette predominantly consists of muted tones, with flesh colors contrasting against the darker elements of the attire and background. Whistler employs a loose brushwork technique, creating a sense of fluidity and softness in the rendering of Duret's features. The overall arrangement reflects Whistler's interest in harmony and balance, characteristic of his approach to portraiture. The painting exemplifies the artist's aesthetic principles, focusing on the interplay of color and form rather than detailed realism.