Whistler – A Butterfly with a Sting in its Tail

Whistler could be both exasperating and enchanting at the same time. Accounts describe him as arrogant, pugnacious and difficult. Even he acknowledged this, calling his autobiography ‘The Gentle Art of Making Enemies’.

His paintings were as delicate as his personality was aggressive. Influenced by the Art for Art’s Sake movement, he aspired to a style of painting inspired by musical composition, calling his paintings Nocturnes, Arrangements or Harmonies. His best paintings shimmer with colour and emotion.

This talk will explore a selection of his works, including the work at the centre of one of the most scandalous legal trials in Art History. Expect some fireworks!