Model Draping

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.

11 August 1888

Marriage to Beatrice Godwin

On 11 August 1888 Whistler married Beatrice Godwin, the widow of his friend the architect Edward Godwin. The ceremony was held privately for fear of disruption by Maud Franklin; the couple soon left for Paris.

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 janvier 1892 · Distinction

Officer of the Legion of Honour