Whistler's Mother
James McNeill Whistler · 1871
Why it's great
Officially titled 'Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1', this portrait shows Whistler's mother sitting quietly in profile, with a plain wall and a framed print behind her. Whistler cared about shapes and colors, like musical notes, more than about the story. It became a symbol of motherhood and has been parodied for over a century. It's even been called America's most famous painting.
Where to see it
📍 Musée d'OrsayParis, France
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Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
James McNeill Whistler was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in the United States, and spent his childhood partly in Russia. He moved to Europe as a young man and lived in Paris and London, where he became one of the most famous (and sharp-tongued) artists in the world. He titled paintings like pieces of music, such as 'Nocturne' and 'Arrangement.' He died in London in 1903.
