“Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1, Portrait of the Artist’s Mother,” created by James McNeill Whistler in 1871, is an oil on canvas portrait exemplifying the Realism art movement. The artwork, measuring 162.5 x 144.3 cm, is housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts an elderly woman, identified as the artist’s mother, seated in profile against a grey background. She wears a black dress with a white lace cap and collar, and her hands are folded in her lap, holding a white handkerchief. The simplicity and minimalism of the composition are accentuated by the muted tones and the restrained pose of the subject, emphasizing a sense of dignity and solemnity. The background includes a curtain with a dark, patterned design to the left and a framed print on the wall, adding depth and context to the setting. The overall atmosphere of the artwork is serene and contemplative, making it a poignant representation of maternal grace and stoicism.
