Swan and Iris c. 1883

James Abbott McNeill Whistler created this artwork, Swan and Iris, in monochrome. At first glance, the swan and iris are symbols of purity and beauty, often intertwined with notions of grace. But let us delve deeper. The swan, a creature of both water and air, embodies transformation. Consider Leda and the Swan, where this creature symbolizes a divine intervention, a profound moment of change. Similarly, the iris, named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, acts as a bridge between worlds, a messenger connecting the heavens and earth. Throughout history, we see these motifs reappearing. In Renaissance paintings, the iris might appear in depictions of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her role as an intercessor. The swan appears in Nordic folk tales. These symbols resonate because they tap into our collective unconscious. The longing for transcendence and the beauty of the natural world are deeply embedded within us. Whistler uses their subtle presence to evoke feelings of hope.