In Symphony in White, No. 1: The White Girl, James McNeill Whistler presents a haunting vision of purity and ambiguity. This Slow Art video lingers on the luminous textures of the white dress, the soft curtain backdrop, and the unsettling wolf skin beneath the figure’s feet. The model’s gaze is distant, her lily held loosely, suggesting innocence, mystery, or quiet defiance. As the camera moves slowly, the monochrome palette reveals subtle tonal shifts, inviting contemplation of Whistler’s pursuit of harmony and his philosophy of “art for art’s sake.” The painting’s refusal to narrate becomes its most compelling story.
This work can be seen at [The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C,https://www.nga.gov/artworks/12198-symphony-white-no-1-white-girl]
Duration:
00:04:16
Tags:
james, abbott, mcneill, whistler, symphony, white, james abbott mcneill whistler, whistler, symphony in white, portrait, 19th century, painting, oil painting, old master, old masters, national gallery of art, washington d.c., washington, nga, historical, art history, america, usa, american american art, american artist
