James McNeill Whistler: The Case for Beauty

Gr 9 Up—This documentary provides an engaging glimpse into the life of "the original art star," James McNeill Whistler. Voiceover narration by Anjelica Huston and Kevin Kline, as well as dramatic reenactments, will help audiences connect with content. Interviews with art and history experts reveal that Whistler was a distinct player in the crowded art scene of the mid-1800s. He lived a Bohemian life studying art in Paris, but he moved to England in hopes of finding his niche in a less sophisticated scene. Whistler's doctrine of art for art's sake was not shared by his staunchly Victorian critics, as was especially evident in their scathing review of his Symphony in White No. 1. However, Whistler did not allow criticism to deter him from seeking out and capturing beauty in the ordinary. In 1871, he painted his famous Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1, a portrait of his mother that stunned critics at "how much Mr. Whistler has accomplished with just two colors." However, many critics continued to condemn Whistler, including the witty and outspoken John Ruskin. Whistler eventually sued Ruskin for libel and won, although the victory was tempered by legal fees that decimated his finances. By the time of his death, Whistler had become one of the most recognized artists in Europe. Examples of his lasting influence are evident in works by Henri Matisse, Georgia O'Keeffe, and other modern artists. Art students and enthusiasts will delight in learning more about this pioneer of "nearly abstract" art.—April Everett, Rowan Public Library, Salisbury, NC