Friends and Family

In 1858 Whistler formed an artistic group called the Société des Trois (Society of Three) with Henri Fantin-Latour [link – Key figures] and Alphonse Legros [link – Key figures]. They were all young artists, and the group gave them a sense of belonging and support. However, a quarrel between Whistler and Legros in 1865 brought their friendship to an end.

In London, where Whistler settled in 1859, Whistler’s friends included the poet Algernon Charles Swinburne [link – Key figures], and the painters Dante Gabriel Rossetti [link – Key figures, Works on Paper/Prints/GLAHA 54093] and Albert Moore [link – Key figures, Painting/Decorative Painting]. Like Whistler, Rossetti was fascinated by oriental objects that were entering the country, and a rivalry began between the two men over who could collect the rarest and most prized pieces of blue and white china. However, they also helped each other, sharing patrons, models, art dealers and studio space. When Whistler was expelled from the Burlington Fine Arts Club in 1867, Rossetti and his brother resigned in support. Whistler greatly admired the work of Moore and suggested that he replace Legros in the Société des Trois.

In 1863 Whistler’s mother, Anna Whistler [link – Key figures], came from America to live with him in London. She helped to run his household, trained his servants, helped him while he was painting as well as corresponding with patrons. His fondness for her comes out in the sympathetic way in which he painted her aging face in Arrangement in Grey and Black [link – Painting/Portraits/YMSM 101].