The artwork titled “Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian” was created by James McNeill Whistler between 1888 and 1900. This piece, rendered in oil on canvas, measures 191.5 by 89.8 centimeters and is characterized by the movement influences of Impressionism and Realism. The artwork belongs to the portrait genre.
The artwork features a composition that highlights a full-length portrait of a woman, depicted with her profile turned to the left, facing away from the viewer. The woman is adorned in a voluminous dress with tones of silver and muted blues, exuding an understated elegance characteristic of Whistler’s works. The soft interplay of light and shadow delicately manifests the details of her attire and the subtle textures of the fabric. The background of the portrait is kept simple and unembellished, allowing the viewer’s attention to focus solely on the subject. The rendering and brushwork reflect Whistler’s deft ability to combine elements of both Impressionism and Realism, creating a harmonious balance between loose, expressive strokes and fine details.
