Who painted Cameo, No. 1 (Mother and Child)?

Cameo, No. 1 (Mother and Child) was painted by James McNeill Whistler in 1892.

Where can I see Cameo, No. 1 (Mother and Child)?

Cameo, No. 1 (Mother and Child) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Cameo, No. 1 (Mother and Child)?

Cameo, No. 1 (Mother and Child) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Cameo, No. 1 (Mother and Child)

James McNeill Whistler , 1892

Cameo, No. 1 (Mother and Child) is a print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Cameo, No.

About this work

Overview

Cameo, No. 1 (Mother and Child) is an etching by James Whistler, created around 1890, depicting an intimate scene of a young mother tenderly embracing her child.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a protective, nurturing moment between a mother and child, with the mother leaning over in a gentle, enclosing gesture, possibly whispering.

Technique & Style

Whistler employed a semi-classical design inspired by Roman dress, emphasizing the translucent quality of the drapery through delicate etching, partially revealing the figure beneath.

History & Provenance

Whistler favored this etching and exhibited it at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. However, American collectors deemed it unsalable due to the perceived risqué nature of the thin, semi-transparent drapery.

Context

Part of a series of etchings from nude or partly draped models, 'Cameo, No. 1' reflects Whistler's aim for intimacy, likening these small prints to 'cameos'—tiny, personal portraits.

Artist & collection

Artist

James McNeill Whistler

James Abbott McNeill Whistler was an American painter in oils and watercolor, and printmaker, active during the American Gilded Age and based primarily in the United Kingdom.