Arts and Music

James McNeill Whistler and the Case for Beauty

The original art star, Whistler was a caustic wit and man-about-town. For the first time, a film examines the biography of the man and the course of his career. Best known for his painting popularly called “Whistler’s Mother,” by his death, Whistler was one of the most recognized artists in Europe and is today placed in the first rank of modern painters.

James McNeill Whistler and the Case for Beauty

56m 46s

The original art star, Whistler was a caustic wit and man-about-town. For the first time, a film examines the biography of the man and the course of his career. Best known for his painting popularly called “Whistler’s Mother,” by his death, Whistler was one of the most recognized artists in Europe and is today placed in the first rank of modern painters.

Episodes

  • James McNeill Whistler and the Case for Beauty: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    James McNeill Whistler and the Case for Beauty

    S1 E1 - 56m 46s

    The original art star, Whistler was a caustic wit and man-about-town. For the first time, a film examines the biography of the man and the course of his career. Best known for his painting popularly called “Whistler’s Mother,” by his death, Whistler was one of the most recognized artists in Europe and is today placed in the first rank of modern painters.

Extras + Features

  • Preview: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview

    30s

    Best known for the groundbreaking portrait of his mother, James McNeill Whistler was the original art star. But beneath the high gloss, the struggle of this genius to find his own voice resulted in a breakaway style that moved painting towards abstraction and would revolutionize the art world in his time-and beyond.

  • The White Girl: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The White Girl

    5m 3s

    A web bonus clip from James McNeill Whistler: The Case for Beauty

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.

Similar Shows