Whistler and His Revolutionary Esthetics

Abstract

This research deals with lames Whistler, one of the leaders of revolutionary esthetics in the nineteenth century. His art went through various stages of development. These stages of expression were influenced by various factors, which were mainly; realism, Pre-Raphaelite characteristics, Oriental motifs, esthetic trends, and impressionism. These stages led him finally to bring to life his own "sym-phonies" of painting. These paintings represent a turn towards abstract art, and this is a significant cor-nerstone in the history of art. His work and esthetic ideas reflect a major change that extends into modem times. This research also traces Whistler's influence on the English poets of the 1880s in their interest in "abstract" expression where no concern for the anecdote is present. Thus, he was able through his esthe-tics to influence the artistic bent of his age and direct it towards the realm of the "abstract."