Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1: Portrait of the Artist's Mother 1879

Richard Josey engraved "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1," a portrait of Whistler's mother, with mezzotint. The stark palette emphasizes the sitter's solemnity, her dark dress and white cap framing a face etched with time. The profile view echoes ancient Roman portraiture, a deliberate nod to classical dignity. Yet, the subdued tones evoke a Victorian sensibility, a somber reflection on mortality. The composition mirrors earlier devotional images of saints, but here, the sacred is secularized, the mother elevated to an iconic figure of domestic virtue. The veil, a symbol of piety and mourning, can be seen echoed in other artworks across time. Consider, for instance, the veils worn by women in Renaissance portraits, where it signified modesty and marital status. In this context, the veil subtly alludes to the universal experience of loss and the enduring strength of maternal love, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol, constantly reappearing, evolves and assumes new meanings across different times.