Arrangement in Light Pink and Black: Portrait of Théodore Duret 1883

"Arrangement in Light Pink and Black: Portrait of Théodore Duret" is a portrait painted by James Abbott McNeill Whistler in 1883. It depicts the French art critic and collector Théodore Duret, a close friend and supporter of Whistler's work. The painting is characterized by Whistler's signature style, known as "Whistlerian" or "Art for Art's Sake." He uses simplified forms, muted tones, and a focus on aesthetic harmony over narrative detail. Duret is depicted in a formal pose, with his dark suit and white shirt complementing the light pink of the shawl he holds. This minimalist approach highlights the subject's elegance and the subtle interplay of colors. The portrait embodies Whistler's artistic philosophy of emphasizing abstract beauty and creating a mood of refinement.