Whistler's Mother

James McNeill Whistler

Created:
Movement:
1871
Realism
key Notes:
"Monochromatic palette" "Maternal portrait"
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Dimensions:
144.3 cm × 162.4 cm
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

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Whistler's Mother by James McNeill Whistler

Whistler's Mother, officially titled Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1, is an iconic painting created by James McNeill Whistler in 1871 using oil on canvas. The work is renowned for its austere composition and tonal harmony, reflecting Whistler's interest in the aesthetic movement, which emphasized art for art's sake. The painting's subdued palette and formal arrangement highlight Whistler's innovative approach to portraiture, focusing on form and color rather than narrative content. Historically, the piece has been interpreted as a symbol of motherhood and familial devotion, though Whistler himself insisted on its aesthetic value over any sentimental interpretation. Whistler, an American-born artist who spent much of his career in Europe, was a pivotal figure in the transition from realism to modernism, influencing subsequent generations of artists. The painting is housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, where it continues to be celebrated for its artistic significance and enduring appeal.

Description of the work:

Whistler's Mother

Whistler's Mother, painted by James McNeill Whistler in 1871, is an oil on canvas artwork that exemplifies the style of tonalism, characterized by its subdued color palette and emphasis on mood. The painting, formally titled Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1, depicts the artist's mother, Anna McNeill Whistler, and is housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Manually Sourced

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Whistler's Mother