Whistler’s Mother Returns to London

Why this is here: Whistler’s mother sat for the portrait after the artist’s original, 15-year-old model abandoned the project.

James Abbott McNeill Whistler painted his mother, Anna, in his Chelsea studio in London. He began the work after his initial model left the project. Whistler titled the painting Arrangement in Grey and Black No 1, but it became widely known as Whistler’s Mother.

The painting quickly gained recognition and has traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally over the last 150 years. It now holds a place in American culture similar to the Mona Lisa. The Louvre commissioned a restorer to prepare the painting for exhibition.

Whistler expressed a desire to create a pleasing portrait of his mother. However, the restorer notes Whistler used inexpensive paint, which presented challenges during the restoration process. The painting’s long-term preservation still requires ongoing attention.