Whistler's Mother by Daniel E Sutherland

Whistler's Mother by Daniel E Sutherland

Discover the extraordinary woman behind one of the most famous images of motherhood in Western art

Judged by the portrait Arrangement in Gray and Black No. 1 (1871), painted by her son James McNeill Whistler, Anna Whistler (1804–1881) appears to have been a pious, unassuming, domestic woman. This characterization, however, is far from the whole truth. Anna was born in the slaveholding South, raised principally in Brooklyn, New York, and resided for many years in both Russia and Great Britain, and her life was filled with adventure and excitement. The authors’ unprecedented use of her private diaries and correspondence results in a crisp biographical rendering that reveals a resilient, vibrant, bright, and deeply engaged woman. In her writings, Anna made shrewd observations about the social, cultural, artistic, and political issues of her era, which was one of enormous and near-constant change. She knew and interacted with an astonishing array of people, from Russian peasants and American farmers to Robert E. Lee and Giuseppe Mazzini. She also raised one of the finest artists of the nineteenth century. As her son made his way in the art world, Anna became his unofficial agent, promoting his work, managing his finances, and advising him on the best opportunities for success. That he, in turn, should immortalize her as a global celebrity and international icon of motherhood was only appropriate.

Daniel E. Sutherland is distinguished professor of history, University of Arkansas. Georgia Toutziari is an independent art historian in London.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780300229684
ISBN 10	0300229682
Title	Whistler's Mother
Author	Daniel E Sutherland
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Yale University Press
Year published	2018-03-27
Number of pages	254
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.