Painting "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1" James McNeill Whistler's painting "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1," widely known as "Whistler's Mother," was first exhibited on May 6, 1872, at the 104th Exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts in London. This date marks its official public debut. "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1" is an oil painting on canvas created by Whistler in 1871. Measuring 144.3 x 162.4 cm, it is considered one of the most iconic American artworks. The painting depicts the artist’s mother, Anna Matilda McNeill Whistler, seated in profile on a chair, dressed in a black gown with a white lace cap, holding a white handkerchief. Her face exudes calm and stoicism, often associated with the puritanical American character. The painting is notable for its minimalism and geometric composition. Whistler deliberately avoided a sentimental portrait, emphasizing aesthetic harmony and formal balance. He used a limited color palette—dominated by greys, blacks, and muted blues—creating an austere yet elegant mood. The background features a simple room with a curtain bearing a delicate Japanese-style floral pattern and two small prints by Whistler himself on the wall, reflecting his interest in Japanese art. The painting embodies "art for art’s sake," with the artist focusing on the interplay of form, line, and color rather than emotional or narrative content. Whistler titled it "Arrangement" to emphasize its abstract nature over the subject’s identity, sparking debate in Victorian society, which expected sentimental maternal imagery. Nevertheless, the painting became a symbol of maternal love and resilience, often dubbed the "Victorian Mona Lisa." It has influenced popular culture, appearing in advertisements, films, and even on postage stamps. Owned by the French state since 1891, the painting is displayed at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, where it is regarded as one of the most famous American artworks outside the U.S. The painting was first exhibited in 1872 at the Royal Academy of Arts Exhibition in London as exhibit No. 941, titled "Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Artist’s Mother." The exhibition ran from May to August 1872, with the precise opening date of May 6, 1872. The painting was nearly rejected due to the Academy’s conservative stance on its unconventional title and abstract approach, but it was saved by Whistler’s ally, William Boxall, then director of the National Gallery. The exhibition sparked controversy, as Victorian audiences felt a mother’s portrait should not be merely an "arrangement," leading to the addition of an explanatory subtitle. Interesting Facts:

• Creation Context: Whistler painted his mother while she lived with him in London. Initially, he planned for her to stand, but due to the 67-year-old Anna’s health, she was depicted seated. A legend suggests that when his mother was tired, a neighbor occasionally served as a stand-in model.
• Scandal and Influence: The painting sparked debates about the purpose of art and became a symbol of Whistler’s aesthetic philosophy. It influenced artists like Claude Debussy, who, inspired by Whistler, experimented with "grey tones" in his works.
• Cultural Significance: In 1934, the U.S. issued a postage stamp featuring the painting, further cementing its status as an American icon. It is often compared to works like "American Gothic" or the "Mona Lisa" for its immediate recognizability.