Harmony in Brown: The Felt Hat 1899

James McNeill Whistler painted 'Harmony in Brown: The Felt Hat' with oil on canvas, likely in the 1870s. The material nature of the paint allows Whistler to explore the subtleties of tone and hue, creating a hazy and atmospheric effect. See how the brushstrokes are blended and softened, suggesting a dreamlike quality? This technique evokes a sense of transience, fitting with the prevailing aesthetic interest of the period. But, it's also a testament to Whistler's mastery of his craft, a skill honed through years of dedicated labor. While painting is traditionally considered a fine art, Whistler's attention to the materiality of paint and the processes of its application blurs the boundaries with craft. He elevates the act of painting itself, transforming it into a form of skilled making. This piece is evidence of the way in which an artwork is conceived, made, and understood and challenges conventional distinctions between high art and craft.