Nocturne: Blue and Silver - Chelsea
1872 Tate
About this artwork
This atmospheric oil painting depicts a serene view of the River Thames in London at night. It is part of Whistler's famous series of Nocturnes, which explore tonal harmony and the subtle effects of light on water.
Did you know?
Whistler coined the term 'Nocturne' for his paintings, borrowing the musical term from his friend, the composer Frédéric Chopin. He wanted to emphasize the visual equivalent of music—focusing on mood and color harmony rather than a detailed, literal narrative. This approach was highly controversial at the time and even led to a famous libel trial against critic John Ruskin, who claimed Whistler was 'flinging a pot of paint in the public's face.'
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Nocturne: Blue and Silver - Chelsea
James McNeill Whistler, 1872
