Van Gogh Museum Staff Picks: Favorite Whistler Artworks

1. Symphony in White No. 2: The Little White Girl

Edwin Becker, Curator

The exquisite painting by Whistler of a girl gazing at a mirror, surrounded by East Asian objects, is a perfect example of the mix of poetry, painting, decorative objects, Japonism, and music. Symphony in White No. 2: The Little White Girl from 1864 is certainly inspired by Pre-Raphaelite artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who lived, like Whistler at that time, in Chelsea in London. But while the sensuality is overt in Rossetti’s seductive women, in Whistler’s work it is far more restrained and detached. He deliberately painted the quiet gaze and composed pose of the sitter, Joanna Hiffernan—the beautiful Irishwoman with whom he had a five-year relationship—to make her seem to become one with the color white.

Yet, as in many of Rossetti’s works, there is a connection with poetry. After seeing Whistler’s picture, Algernon Swinburne, one of the Pre-Raphaelites’ favourite poets, wrote the beautiful poem Before the Mirror, which Whistler later affixed to the painting. Swinburne’s poem did not relate directly to the painting’s specific subject, but explored the broader themes of longing and nostalgia, with artistic freedom. It is precisely this sense of melancholy that Whistler captures so poignantly. And that is why this painting, with its musical title (Symphony), is one of my favorite works by Whistler.

2. Nocturne: Blue and Silver—Chelsea

Jolein van Kregten, Educator

When I was looking at Whistler’s early work in the run-up to the exhibition, I was surprised to discover that it had been created by the same man who painted such dreamy nocturnes–nighttime landscapes of the Thames. In his early work, he captured his immediate surroundings with great attention to detail, as in this etching of a dilapidated house. This makes the contrast all the greater with those nocturnes in which Whistler omitted more and more detail, focusing instead on atmosphere. He painted them with diluted paint, layer upon layer, until he had captured the essence of his subject. These works are almost abstract, with their tonal colors and simple compositions. At the time, Whistler advocated his new idea about the role of art, namely that it should be created for its own sake, rather than to serve a narrative or to teach a lesson. Both his work and his ideas continue to influence us to this day.

3. Snow, Amsterdam

Eline van Beek, Press Officer

This artwork touches upon a childhood memory for me. Looking at the winter scene brings back a sense of nostalgia. When I was young, we used to go ice skating every winter with my family, and this painting gently recalls that crisp winter air and the excitement my siblings and I shared. It is the typically Dutch atmosphere of the moody winter sky that brings me back to those moments.

4. Nocturne

Rebecca Bloemzaad, Marketing Manager

What appeals to me about Whistler’s Nocturne is how much the painting leaves to the imagination. Buildings almost disappear into the darkness, whilst a few lights and their reflections hold your gaze. There is something tranquil about it, but also something enigmatic. The longer I look, the more I wonder what is happening over there on the other side. The title fits this perfectly. A nocturne is a piece of music that evokes the atmosphere of the night. Whistler used this musical term for his night scenes: he believed that, just like music, color and composition could evoke a mood. I feel that very strongly in this work. The dark shades of blue and small golden highlights give me a sense of tranquillity yet also leave room for a touch of melancholy.

5. Symphony in White, No. 3

Mi-Lou Beugeling, Management Assistant

This painting really appeals to me because of its composition, the rather soft use of color, and the unusual title. I find the composition, with the sofa positioned high up in the picture and the horizontal lines, very effective in relation to the placement of the two women in the painting. It’s an unusual composition, but very pleasing to look at. Furthermore, the women’s posture makes me wonder about their state of mind. Are they bored, tired of posing, or is something else going on? The title is also unusual.

A “Symphony” usually refers to a piece of music. This work was previously called Two Little White Girls, but Whistler gave the painting a different title because he wanted to emphasize the composition rather than what is depicted. A good idea, as I personally find the earlier title a bit odd too; I don’t see “two little white girls.” I see two adult women. I like the placement of the Japanese fan (a lovely splash of color), and the plants and flowers on the right-hand side add depth to the scene.