James McNeill Whistler

James McNeill Whistler was one of the great innovators of 19th-century art, a bold, witty, and fiercely experimental artist who challenged Victorian convention in pursuit of beauty and “art for art’s sake.” A contemporary of the Impressionists and admired by figures including Van Gogh and Manet, Whistler drew inspiration from music, naming many of his works “arrangements,” “harmonies,” and “nocturnes” to reflect their tonal balance.

His best-known painting, Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1, better known as Whistler’s Mother, has become one of the most recognizable and frequently parodied images in art history.

Created in collaboration with Tate Britain, this film explores the artist behind the iconic works, bringing together celebrated masterpieces and rarely seen paintings. Through Whistler’s life, ideas, and enduring influence, it reveals how a provocative visionary helped reshape modern art and continues to inspire artists today.