Nocturne, Blue and Silver: Battersea Reach 1878

James McNeill Whistler made this oil on canvas painting, "Nocturne, Blue and Silver: Battersea Reach," in 1878. Whistler’s aesthetic was one of near-total tonal harmony, creating moody, atmospheric works which reflected his belief in "art for art's sake." Looking closely, you will notice subtle tonal modulations built up from the application of thin, translucent layers. Whistler diluted his oil paints, pushing the medium almost towards watercolor territory. Notice the flat expanses of subtle shading which bring depth and complexity, through the control of texture and tonality. Whistler evokes the atmosphere and industrialization of London and the River Thames at night. What's important here is Whistler's attitude to craft and fine art; dissolving it with skill in the service of personal expression, connecting it with a feeling, and a view. This focus on materials and processes of making asks us to think beyond the surface, seeing connections to labor, social context and the role of industry.