James McNeill Whistler: An Artist on Artists

MacDonald, M. F. (2015) James McNeill Whistler: An Artist on Artists. Visual Culture in Britain, 16(2), pp. 200-222. (doi: 10.1080/14714787.2015.1038437)

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Abstract

This essay explores Whistler’s portraits of himself and other artists, considering how their general appearance, pose and dress reflects status, class, nationality, gender and profession. It is based on a ‘reading’ of visual material combined with analysis of contemporary and recent discussions. Whistler was often described as an effeminate bohemian and dandy. His alter ego as a respectable well-dressed man-about-town appealed to an upwardly mobile middle-class market. His self-image was designed to promote his work and ideas. The article examines the extent of his image-making, and whether it promoted or militated against his status and financial success.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:MacDonald, Professor Margaret
Authors: MacDonald, M. F.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
Journal Name:Visual Culture in Britain
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:1471-4787
ISSN (Online):1941-8361

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