Tillie 1870 - 1873

Editor: This is a drawing called "Tillie" by James Abbott McNeill Whistler. It's undated, but the quick, flowing lines give it a sense of immediacy. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a glimpse into the artist's process, a dance between observation and representation. How do these sketches challenge or reinforce societal expectations of the female form during Whistler's time? Are they studies of the individual or reflections of broader cultural ideals? Editor: I hadn't thought about that! It makes me wonder about the artist's intent. Curator: Exactly! It's about deconstructing power dynamics and questioning whose gaze is being prioritized here. Perhaps we can examine other artworks by Whistler and compare. Editor: That's a great idea! I'm learning so much.