Whistler: For Art's Sake

Whistler: For Art's Sake

Subscribe now to watch

Subscribe Now

Anjelica Huston narrates this compelling docudrama from award-winning filmmaker Karen Thomas, exploring the life and work of "the original art star" James McNeill Whistler, whose portrait of his mother is an icon of American culture.

Famous for his patent leather shoes, monocle, and swagger, his theatrics attracted the curiosity of buyers and the attention of critics. When John Ruskin accused him of flinging “a pot of paint” in the face of the public with his nearly abstract paintings, Whistler sued for libel and changed the course of art history.

Whistler’s paintings and drawings introduced ideas and art forms that were avant-garde for their time, paving the way for what became known as modern art decades later. His lasting influence is evident in works by Henri Matisse and Georgia O'Keeffe. Art students and enthusiasts will delight in learning more about this pioneer of "nearly abstract" art.

Cast & Crew

(Director), Anjelica Huston (Narrator), Kevin Kline (James McNeill Whistler (Voice)), Daniel Arbon (James McNeil Whistler), Evangelos Alexiou (Charles Drouet), Penny Fuller (Anna Whistler (Voice)), Edward Hibbert (Sir John Holker (Voice)), Jon Patrick Walker (Oscar Wilde (Voice))

You may also like

What if Giuseppe Arcimboldo was a painter of Modern Art before its time?

Coming Soon

Arcimboldo: Portrait of an Audacious Man

Art documentary

Pierce Brosnan shines a light into the life and legacy of Ireland's greatest painter, Jack B. Yeats.

Jack B. Yeats: The Man Who Painted Ireland

Art documentary

Paul Gauguin is one of the world’s most popular – and controversial – artists. Instantly recognisable, his paintings are in galleries across the globe and have been adored for their colourful beauty.

Gauguin: A Dangerous Life

Art documentary

Actor Eddie Redmayne explores artworks inspired by warfare and asks: Where does artistic expression end and propaganda begin?

War Art with Eddie Redmayne

Art documentary

200 years ago, an Old Master discovered new themes in North Africa that would inspire his greatest work.

Delacroix: From Paris to Morocco

Art documentary

Enter Frida Kahlo's "The Blue House," where Pablo Picasso, Leon Trotsky, and wild nights lit up Mexico City with art, love, and revolution.

Coming Soon

At Frida Kahlo's

Art documentary

Whistler: For Art's Sake