
James Abbott McNeill WhistlerAmerican, 1834–1903May one see it?
Chicago, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
1890
Meeting Charles Freer
In 1890 Whistler met the American industrialist Charles Freer, who became his patron in America and, ultimately, his most important collector.
1891
France Purchases "Whistler's Mother"
In 1891, with the assistance of Stéphane Mallarmé, the painting "Whistler's Mother" was bought by the French government for 4,000 francs — less than an American collector might have paid, but more prestigious in the artist's eyes.
1892
Move to Paris
In 1892, after the cool reception of his London exhibition, Whistler and his wife moved to Paris (110 Rue du Bac), setting up a studio in Montparnasse. He associated closely with Monet, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Mallarmé.
24 January 1892 · Award
Officer of the Legion of Honour