WHISTLER AND THE PEACOCK ROOM
Part Two

The term “artistic freedom” may seem like a given but for nearly a century after Kant established the principal, “freedom” was rarely practiced. But Whistler took the concept seriously and set out to test it, clashing with the critics, the public, and, most famously with his patron, Frederick Leyland. The Peacock Room was an exercise in art-for-art’s sake and an illustration of the primacy of the will of the artist, who risked all – his reputation, his income, his client – in order to take over an architect’s commission and impose his vision of a total work of art.

Also listen to “Whistler Part One” and “Whistler, Part Three”

If you have found this material useful, please give credit to Dr. Jeanne S. M. Willette and Art History Unstuffed.
Thank you.

Get in Touch!

14 + 3 =