Whistler's Mother

The painting “Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1”, better known as “Whistler’s Mother”, is one of the most famous works by American artist James Whistler, painted in 1871.

The artist’s mother, Anna McNeill Whistler, who lived in London with her son, posed for the painting. According to one version, she replaced another model at the last moment. Another version suggests that Whistler initially planned to depict the model standing, but for his elderly mother, posing for a long time in a standing position was too exhausting.

Whistler named the painting “Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1” because he considered his work more of a study of form and color rather than a sentimental portrait.

Initially, the painting was poorly received in the United States, but it gained great recognition in France, where it was acquired by the government and is now housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

Despite Whistler’s purely artistic approach, the painting became a symbolic representation of maternal love and family values, often compared to Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

“Whistler’s Mother” is so famous that its image has appeared on postage stamps, in films, and even in pop culture – notably in the series Mr. Bean and several episodes of The Simpsons.

This painting is not only an outstanding example of 19th-century realism but also a symbol that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

P.S. Image attribution: James McNeill Whistler, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons