Collection 001

Arrangement in Gray and Black No. 1 (also known as, Portrait of the Artist’s Mother)

BY: JAMES MCNEILL WHISTLER - MUSÉE D'ORSAY

Date: 1871
Original Medium: oil on canvas
Original Size: 56 3/4 x 64 in

Also known as Portrait of the Artist’s Mother or only Whistler’s Mother, the painter’s original title points to the musical notion of harmony found in the overall composition rather than the subject matter. Whistler intentionally uses a simple arrangement with monochromatic colors and neutral tones to create significant psychological acuity.