La Mère Gérard (K11 IV)

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La Mère Gérard (K11 IV)

Artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler (American, 1834-1903)

Date1858

DimensionsOverall: 4 15/16 x 3 1/2 in. (12.6 x 8.9 cm)

MediumEtching

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. McKelvy, Jr.

Object number

1976.149

Not on View

DescriptionJames Abbott McNeill Whistler American, 1834–1903 La Mère Gérard (Mother Gérard) Etching, 1858 Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. McKelvy, Jr., 1976.149 This is an early print done in the style of Paul Gavarni (French, 1804–1866) and reflects Whistler’s interest in the realist movement. Upon first meeting him, Whistler highly respected the French artist and teacher, Gustave Courbet (1819–1877), who felt that all life was suitable subject matter for art. Realism was in direct opposition to academic painting styles that idealized and glorified. Whistler broke off contact with Courbet in a dispute over a young woman, Whistler’s mistress and frequent model, Joanna Hiffernan. Hiffernan also posed for Courbet.

Label TextThis is an early print done in the style of Paul Gavarni (French, 1804–1866) and reflects Whistler’s interest in the realist movement. Upon first meeting him, Whistler highly respected the French artist and teacher, Gustave Courbet (1819–1877), who felt that all life was suitable subject matter for art. Realism was in direct opposition to academic painting styles that idealized and glorified. Whistler broke off contact with Courbet in a dispute over a young woman, Whistler’s mistress and frequent model, Joanna Hiffernan. Hiffernan also posed for Courbet.Exhibition HistoryTMA, Whistler: Influences, Friends, and the Not-So-Friendly, Feb. 26 - May 30, 2010.

Toledo Museum of Art, Prints and Authors from the Time of Manet, September 13, 2012-January 13, 2013.