Robert Barr 1894

This portrait of Robert Barr, painted in 1894 by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, showcases the artist’s signature style. The painting, which is likely a pastel on paper, is a close-up portrait of Barr, a Scottish-born writer, in a dark hat and coat. Whistler, known for his atmospheric portrayals and muted color palette, captures a sense of intimacy in this study of his friend. Whistler’s use of soft and subtle shading highlights the features of his subject. This portrait, like many of Whistler’s works, emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and mood, which is typical of his artistic aesthetic.