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.

Accession no.: 1923.29
Credit line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph King

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 (; July 10, 1834 – July 17, 1903) was an American painter in oils and watercolor, and printmaker, active during the American Gilded Age and based primarily in the United Kingdom.