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.
Episodes
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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.
Extras + Features
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Whistler's Comeback
5m 8s
A web bonus clip from James McNeill Whistler: The Case for Beauty
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Prelude to a Hat | Behind the Scenes
1m 5s
The behind-the-scenes embellishment of a hat destined for a scene in Whistler’s studio.
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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.
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Sunday Breakfasts | Behind the Scenes
57s
Champagne glasses are unpacked and arranged, ready for Whistler’s Sunday guests.
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Porcelain | Behind the Scenes
1m 2s
Rustling straw, fragile porcelain, and Whistler's sleight of hand.
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Peacock Room | Behind the Scenes
3m 4s
Join the Whistler documentary film crew in the Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery of Art.
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Whistler's Mother | Behind the Scenes
1m 13s
Witness an actor's composure as she steps into an iconic portrait.
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The Original Art Star
4m 56s
A bonus clip from James McNeill Whistler: A Case for Beauty.
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London's Newest Resident
5m
Web bonus clip from James McNeill Whistler: The Case for Beauty
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Portrait of the Artist's Mother
4m 14s
A web bonus clip from James McNeill Whistler: The Case for Beauty
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Lady Meux | Behind the Scenes
1m 14s
Go behind the scenes as Whistler positions diamond-laden Lady Meux for her 1881 portrait.
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The White Girl
5m 3s
A web bonus clip from James McNeill Whistler: The Case for Beauty
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