Guess the Artist – Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) #19!

How many of you will be able to guess who this artist is? I love the looseness of the jacket in this painting, the abstract lines – the subtle shades of gray throughout. This photo was taken (iPhone) at a museum near and dear to my heart. We had the best time ever! Before you read on, can you guess who this artist is?

If you’ve never been to the Detroit Institute of Arts and find yourself in Detroit (or anywhere nearby) this is 100% worth the effort! I would go early if you can – this place is huge and there is so much to see that you need time. We got there shortly after they opened and were there for hours. It would be great to be able to spend a few days going back to check it out even more! It helps that they have wonderful places to eat, so you can take a break and try to process all the wonderful things you see!

Ok, were you able to guess who the artist is? If not, the answer is below…

Hint: Painted in 1872… in case that helps any.

A N S W E R :

Arrangement in Gray: Portrait of the Painter, ca. 1872

James Abbott McNeill Whistler, American, 1834 – 1903

Oil on canvas

Unframed: 29 1/2 × 21 inches (74.9 × 53.3 cm)
39 5/8 × 31 5/8 × 2 1/2 inches (100.6 × 80.3 × 6.4 cm)

Bequest of Henry Glover Stevens in memory of Ellen P. Stevens and Mary M. Stevens

DIA WEBSITE | Instagram | This Painting

Details (from the DIA):

In this painting, Whistler explores problems in technique and composition, as well as his own psyche; the viewer is confronted by a cool, appraising gaze from a face of deceptive immediacy. The flattened forms, subtle gradations of gray, and asymmetrical composition of the work reveal a strong Japanese influence.

Read a great article about Whistler (interesting facts!) HERE, from thecollector.com!