The Paintings of James McNeill Whistler

James McNeill Whistler has long been recognised as a key figure in nineteenth-century art. Born in America, deeply influenced by the arts of France, the Low Countries and Japan, he spent most of his working life in England. His revolutionary paintings and flamboyant manner led him into regular conflict with the critical establishment, culminating in the famous lawsuit with Ruskin.

This is the first complete catalogue of his paintings to be published, and is the culmination of some twenty years of research. Begun by the late Andrew McLaren Young, who died in 1975, it has been completed and prepared for publication by Margaret MacDonald and Robin Spencer, who were both his colleagues and his pupils.

Every painting of which there is a record has been catalogued, including many which have since disappeared. The fullest possible details of the history, provenance and sources of each picture are recorded, along with all the appropriate physical details. Every extant painting is reproduced with a large proportion of the illustrations in colour. For every lost picture, visual evidence is reproduced if available.

These two volumes form a fundamental work of reference of the highest importance to students of nineteenth-century art in Europe and America.