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| In the late 19th century, America became a modern
nation. The most progressive of its artists were trained in
the art centers of Europe, with Munich and Paris being the most
popular. Their paintings stressed figures rather than landscape,
and followed the dictum of "art for art's sake" promoted by
James McNeill Whistler and other advanced artists. Tonalism
is characterized by the use of natural and/or diffused light.
The muted tones and hazy scenes contributed to the moody, often
mysterious aura of the work. |
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In this painting, Whistler explores
problems in technique and composition as well as his own psyche;
the viewer is confronted by a cool, appraising gaze from a
face of deceptive immediacy. The flattened forms, subtle gradations
of gray, and asymmetrical composition of the work reveal a
strong Japanese influence.
Whistler's
Butterfly
Whistler
was concerned with the manner in which his canvases were framed
and hung. The frame for this work was painted by the artist
and signed with the same butterfly signature as the portrait.
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| This work, which is
a depiction of a fireworks display in London's Cremorne Gardens,
is probably Whistler's most infamous painting. It was the central
issue of a libel suit which involved the art critic John Ruskin
and the artist. Ruskin had publicly slandered the work by making
the statement, "I have seen, and heard, much of cockney impudence
before now; but never expected to hear a coxcomb ask two hundred
guineas for flinging a pot of paint in the public's face." Whistler
won the libel suit; however, he was awarded only the token damages
of one farthing. This is one of Whistler's many "Nocturnes"
which are characterized by a moody atmosphere, a subtle palette,
and overall Tonalist qualities. |
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