American Folk Figure. The mother of artist James McNeill Whistler, she was the subject of his painting "Arrangement in Grey and Black" (1871), which is more famously and popularly known as "Whistler's Mother". It is considered one of the most recognizable images of 19th century American art. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1831 she married as his second wife, George Washington Whistler, a former United States Army Officer, and would have two sons with him, one being future artist James McNeill Whistler. From 1842 to 1849, they lived in Russia, where the senior Whistler worked as a railway engineer between Moscow and St. Petersburg. During that time, she enrolled her son, James, in the Imperial Academy of Arts. Following George Whistler's death, the family returned to the United States, and in 1863 she settled with James in London, England. There she continued to encourage her son's painting and turned a blind eye to his bohemian lifestyle. At age 67 she posed for "Arrangement in Grey and Black," which proved a milestone in Whistler's career, who did not try to create a traditional portrait. English art critics were offended at how the lady was objectified as an element in an "arrangement", and the public at large ignored Whistler's intentions. Over time, however, the painting turned into an icon of steadfast motherhood, and it now hangs in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France. Anna Whistler died at 76 in Hastings, England. In 1934 the United States Postal Service used the image of Anna Whistler for "Arrangement in Grey and Black" for a postage stamp honoring Mother's Day.
American Folk Figure. The mother of artist James McNeill Whistler, she was the subject of his painting "Arrangement in Grey and Black" (1871), which is more famously and popularly known as "Whistler's Mother". It is considered one of the most recognizable images of 19th century American art. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1831 she married as his second wife, George Washington Whistler, a former United States Army Officer, and would have two sons with him, one being future artist James McNeill Whistler. From 1842 to 1849, they lived in Russia, where the senior Whistler worked as a railway engineer between Moscow and St. Petersburg. During that time, she enrolled her son, James, in the Imperial Academy of Arts. Following George Whistler's death, the family returned to the United States, and in 1863 she settled with James in London, England. There she continued to encourage her son's painting and turned a blind eye to his bohemian lifestyle. At age 67 she posed for "Arrangement in Grey and Black," which proved a milestone in Whistler's career, who did not try to create a traditional portrait. English art critics were offended at how the lady was objectified as an element in an "arrangement", and the public at large ignored Whistler's intentions. Over time, however, the painting turned into an icon of steadfast motherhood, and it now hangs in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France. Anna Whistler died at 76 in Hastings, England. In 1934 the United States Postal Service used the image of Anna Whistler for "Arrangement in Grey and Black" for a postage stamp honoring Mother's Day.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
Inscription
"In Memory of Anna Matilda, Wife of Major George W. Whistler, United States Army. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America. Died at Hastings, England, January 31st, 1881, aged 76 years. Blessed Are They Who Have Not Seen and Yet Have Believed."
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