Symphony in Grey: Early Morning, Thames 1871

"Symphony in Grey: Early Morning, Thames" (1871) by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, is a quintessential example of his signature style known as "Nocturne." The painting captures the soft, hazy light of dawn over the Thames River in London. Whistler's use of muted colors, particularly shades of grey, creates a sense of atmosphere and tranquility, emphasizing the subtle shifts in light and form rather than precise detail. This piece exemplifies Whistler's artistic philosophy of "art for art's sake," prioritizing aesthetics over narrative or representation.