Today in History: James McNeill Whistler

Photograph of a chalk drawing self-portrait by James McNeill Whistler

Today in History–July 10–TPS-Barat features  James McNeill Whistler, born on this date in 1834. This American artist spent time in St. Petersburg, Russia during his childhood and later in England and France, where he studied. Learn more about Whistler through these primary and secondary sources.

James McNeill Whistler images & art

Whistler’s Butterfly Picture This blog June 20, 2013

Joseph and Elizabeth Robins Pennell Collection of Whistleriana

Works of James McNeill Whistler from Freer and Sackler Galleries Smithsonian Institution

The Life of James McNeill Whistler Volume I by E.R. & J. Pennell 1908

The Life of James McNeill Whistler Volume II by E.R. & J. Pennell 1908

Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Artists 1907

Recollections and impressions of James A. McNeill Whistler 1903

Historical newspaper coverage of James McNeill Whistler

Historical newspaper coverage of James Abbott McNeill Whistler

Illustrated letter, Aubrey Beardsley to G. F. Scotson-Clark concerning James McNeill Whistler’s Peacock Room 1891

Letter, James McNeill Whistler to David Croal Thomson containing the artist’s famed butterfly signature and discussing his hope that no painting of his remain in England July 1895

Letter, Elizabeth Pennell to Mr. Kennerley concerning Aubrey Beardsley’s 1891 illustrated letter about James McNeill Whistler’s Peacock Room, 3 April 1929

Whistler ephemera, “Songs on Stone” announcement