James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903)

I don’t think we’ve discussed James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903) here before. While he was neither a Pre-Raphaelite nor a Symbolist, his importance in the art world of the 18th century was considerable and he can scarcely be ignored.

And while his work bears a superficial resemblance to that of the dreaded Impressionists his approach to his work and his philosophy of art had little in common with that school.

His habit of naming paintings as musical pieces makes him of some interest to us, as does his interest in Japanese art. And you have to admire anyone who writes a book called The Gentle Art of Making Enemies.



James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Variations in Flesh Color and Green: The Balcony, 1864-70.



James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Annabel Lee, 1890.



James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Rose and Silver: The Princess from the Land of Porcelain, 1864.