Cremorne Gardens, No. 2

James McNeill Whistler American

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 768

The progressive expatriate James McNeill Whistler is associated with the "art for art’s sake" philosophy, which privileged artistic form over content. Yet his subjects were often seen to be as radical as his ethereal color harmonies. In this so-called nocturne, painted in London’s Cremorne Gardens (near his Chelsea home-studio), Whistler explores the theme of modern life embraced by many of his European associates, especially the French Impressionists. An elegant, manicured park that drew fashionable strollers during the daytime hours, the Gardens at night became a site for lively music, dancing, and fireworks, frequented by a broader range of classes.

#4587. Cremorne Gardens, No. 2

0:00
0:00
View Transcript
Cremorne Gardens, No. 2, James McNeill Whistler (American, Lowell, Massachusetts 1834–1903 London), Oil on canvas, American

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Cremorne Gardens, No. 2, James McNeill Whistler (American, Lowell, Massachusetts 1834–1903 London), Oil on canvas, American
Cremorne Gardens, No. 2, James McNeill Whistler (American, Lowell, Massachusetts 1834–1903 London), Oil on canvas, American

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.