James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834–1903) was an American artist, active during the late 19th century, and he is best known for his contributions to the Aesthetic movement and his work as a painter and printmaker. Here are key points about James Abbott McNeill Whistler:1. **Early Life:** Whistler was born on July 11, 1834, in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA. His father was a railroad engineer, and the family moved to Russia when Whistler was a child due to his father's job.2. **Artistic Education:** Whistler's interest in art was evident from an early age. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point but left without graduating to pursue a career in art. He traveled to Paris to study art at the École Impériale et Spéciale des Beaux-Arts.3. **Early Career in Paris:** Whistler settled in Paris in the 1850s, where he associated with avant-garde artists and developed his artistic style. He was influenced by Realism and adopted a technique that prioritized color harmony and composition.4. **Move to London:** In the 1860s, Whistler moved to London, where he continued to refine his style. He became associated with the Aesthetic movement, which emphasized "art for art's sake" and the importance of beauty in art.5. **Famous Works:** Whistler's most famous painting is arguably "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1," commonly known as "Whistler's Mother" (1871). Another notable work is "Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket" (1875), which led to a famous art critic, John Ruskin, criticizing Whistler's work.6. **The Trial:** Whistler took Ruskin to court for libel over the criticism. Although Whistler won the case, the legal expenses left him in financial difficulties.7. **Printmaking:** In addition to painting, Whistler was a skilled printmaker, producing etchings and lithographs. His series of etchings titled "Venice" is highly regarded.8. **Influence on Art:** Whistler's emphasis on the harmony of color and form, as well as his approach to the Aesthetic movement, had a significant influence on later artists, including the Symbolists and the Art Nouveau movement.9. **Connections with the Impressionists:** While not formally part of the Impressionist group, Whistler was associated with some of the ideas of the movement. He exhibited alongside them and was influenced by their use of color and light.10. **Later Years:** In the later part of his career, Whistler continued to paint and teach. He returned to the United States in the 1890s.11. **Death:** James Abbott McNeill Whistler died on July 17, 1903, in London, England.12. **Legacy:** Whistler's work is considered pivotal in the transition from 19th-century academic art to 20th-century modernism. His ideas on the role of art in society and the importance of the artist's individual expression had a lasting impact on the art world.
Measures 16.5 x 22.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.