Whistler’s artwork on exhibit at the nevada museum of art

Tuesday, 03 October 2006 09:06

RENO, NV – The Nevada Museum of Art (NMA) is pleased to present James McNeill Whistler: Selected Works from the Hunterian Art Gallery, a unique exhibition featuring 129 original works by a nineteenth-century master.  James McNeill Whistler offers an extraordinary view into the life of this fascinating, complicated and controversial figure.  Organized by the Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, Scotland and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C., James McNeill Whistler will be on view from October 15, 2006 through January 7, 2007.

James McNeill Whistler: Selected Works from the Hunterian Art Gallery spans nearly 40 years of Whistler’s painting and graphic production from 1858-1896 and serves as a visual testament to his extensive travels in Europe, his enduring love affair with the river Thames and the colorful personalities that influenced his art.  The 129 objects on display are from Whistler’s own collection and include twelve elegant paintings, 59 etchings and lithographs, and an assortment of belongings including 9 pieces from his personal cupboard of Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period porcelain, and 35 silver cutlery pieces.  Letters to his brother and from Claude Monet, as well as a copy of his famous manuscript The Gentle Art of Making Enemies are also included.

One of America’s most iconic yet underrepresented artists, James McNeill Whistler studied and worked in Paris and London.  Although not included in this exhibition, Whistler is best known for the painting Whistler’s Mother formally titled, Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 1: Portrait of the Artist’s Mother c. 1871.  He is also considered one of the most important printmakers of the nineteenth century. Whistler’s life was dominated by creative rebellion and controversy, and he achieved international fame during his lifetime.  In departing from the dominant aesthetic of the day, Whistler received praise as well as severe criticism.  He publicly defended his artistic vision and this defense led to caustic articles published in the press and in one instance to litigation.  Willing to stake his name and finances in pursuit of vindication, he sued the art critic John Ruskin for libel.  Whistler won the action, but eventually filed bankruptcy because of court costs and negative publicity.

The Hunterian Art Gallery holds the most extensive collection of Whistler art. Notable paintings in the exhibition include Self-portrait c. 1896, from a series painted in the 1890’s with the intention of depicting his likeness as well as his inner personality.  Red and Black - The Fan c. 1891-1894, a portrait of Whistler's sister-in-law, Miss Ethel Birnie Phillip is remarkable for its attention to current fashion.  Nocturne c. 1875-77 depicts the Thames River and is illustrative of a style he developed, which obscured details in favor of presenting shapes and color.  James McNeill Whistler: Selected Works from the Hunterian Art Gallery will be on exhibit October 15, 2006 through January 7, 2007. 

Visit the Nevada Museum of Art at : www.nevadaart.org.