James A. McNeill Whistler - London, England - Grave of a Famous Person on Waymarking.com

James Whistler was born Lowell, Massachusetts in 1834 but soon thereafter moved with his family to St. Petersburg, Russia, where his father was involved with a railroad project. After spending some time in London, young James returned to the United States with his mother after his father’s untimely death.

James Whistler showed an early interest and ability in drawing and painting, but his mother desired him to pursue a more practical career. After a failed stint at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, James Whistler was employed as a draftsman making maps for the military. But it wasn’t long, with the help of a wealthy acquaintance, before he was off to study art in France. He was never to return to the U.S.

James A. Whistler had a long and prolific career, producing over 500 paintings, lithographs and etchings. But as was often the case, he didn’t enjoy much in the way of financial benefits until later in life. Often described as an egotist and self-promoter, Whistler antagonized those around him. He even sued a critic who denigrated one of his paintings. Nevertheless, Whistler is considered one of the most influential artists of his day. His most famous painting is a portrait of his mother commonly called “Whistler’s Mother.” It normally hangs in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

Late in life, Whistler included his mother’s maiden name, McNeill, as part of his name. A major proponent of the “art for art’s sake” mantra, Whistler often used musical terminology such as symphony or nocturne in the titles of his paintings. In fact, the famous portrait of his mother is officially titled “Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 1.”
(Source: wikipedia.com.)

Description: See Long Description above. Date of birth: 07/11/1834 Date of death: 07/17/1903 Area of notoriety: Art Marker Type: Monument Setting: Outdoor Visiting Hours/Restrictions: none Fee required?: No Web site: [Web Link]

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Date Logged Log   11/07/2021 Master Mariner visited it