James Abbott McNeill WhistlerAmerican, 1834–1903The Bead-Stringers
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “The Bead-Stringers” now? Collection: Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Cambridge, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
Details
- Accession number
- 2005.263
In the catalog
Sources
- Harvard Art Museums
- Image: Harvard Art Museums — © President and Fellows of Harvard College
In the life of James Abbott McNeill Whistler
The whole life25 – 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.
January 1881
Mother's Death; the Name McNeill
In January 1881 the artist's mother, Anna Whistler, died. In her honour he adopted her maiden name, "McNeill," as his middle name.
