James Abbott McNeill WhistlerAmerican, 1834–1903Reading
May one see it?
Not receiving at present
Washington, D.C., United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
Particulars
- Accession number
- 1943.3.8673
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- National Gallery of Art
- Image: National Gallery of Art — Museum open access
Meanwhile, in the life of James Abbott McNeill Whistler
The whole life1877
Libel Suit Against Ruskin
In 1877 Whistler sued the critic John Ruskin, who had condemned his "Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket," demanding 1,000 pounds in damages. Because of the criticism, his works fell out of favour.
25 – 26 November 1878
The Trial of Whistler v. Ruskin
On 25–26 November 1878 the suit was heard in the High Court. The jury returned a verdict in Whistler's favour but awarded damages of one farthing, and costs were split between the parties.
8 May 1879
Bankruptcy
Legal costs and debts from the construction of the White House on Tite Street forced Whistler to declare bankruptcy on 8 May 1879; his collection, possessions, and house went to auction.
September 1879
Trip to Venice
After the trial, Whistler accepted a commission for twelve etchings and arrived in Venice in September 1879. The three-month trip stretched to fourteen months: over 50 etchings, nocturnes, and more than 100 pastels.
February 1885
The "Ten O'Clock" Lecture
In February 1885 Whistler delivered his "Ten O'Clock" lecture — the principal statement of his "art for art's sake" credo, opposed to the Victorian view of art's moral function.
1 June 1886
President of the Society of British Artists
On 1 June 1886 Whistler was elected president of the Society of British Artists; after his gift to Queen Victoria the Society received royal status. On 4 June 1888, following a rift with the Royal Academy, he was removed from the post and left the Society with 25 supporters.
![Ginevra de' Benci [obverse], Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1474/1478](https://api.nga.gov/iiif/8f29e3c9-a289-4d53-abf0-31a66e9e98fa/full/!2400,2400/0/default.jpg)
![Wreath of Laurel, Palm, and Juniper with a Scroll inscribed Virtutem Forma Decorat [reverse], Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1474/1478](https://api.nga.gov/iiif/ff62e8d0-45c4-498f-ad36-6358de827e04/full/!2400,2400/0/default.jpg)
