Exploding tradition, Whistler's Nocturne in Black and Gold, the Falling Rocket

James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Nocturne in Black and Gold, the Falling Rocket, 1875, oil on panel, 60.3 × 46.7 cm (Detroit Institute of Arts)
A conversation with Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris

[@oltedders]

Whistler won the case, but was awarded only a farthing (1/4 penny) in damages which he wore on his watch chain.

[@mazitazana1975]

I really like this painting and your discussion about it!! Thank you for showing us

[@matthewbustamonte9147]

I'm so happy you guys visited the DIA!

[@maina814]

Nice! Thank you!

[@genesisperdomo5888]

This is one of my favorite paintings

[@Kaikoura26]

MORE MORE MORE! MORE JAMES ABBOTT MCNEILL PLEASE!!!!

[@marthavillegas6250]

I am always waiting for your wonderful videos, thank your for introducing this painter and paint to me. 💙

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Thank you for saying that, we very much appreciate your comments.

[@cassylk22]

"In music, we don't expect a narrative; we don't need to have a story. It's the notes and the rhythms and the texture of the music itself that can be enough to create beauty." i like that

[@risenandreturning]

Funny, I thought the exact opposite!

[@jackbuckley7816]

@@risenandreturning Yes, and it seems the painting under discussion has a narrative as well; nothing complex per se, but it's illustrating a night sky illuminated by fireworks, people watching, etc. Clearly there's craftsmanship on display as well. At first, or even multiple glances, the painting appears very basic & simplistic in concept & technique but an entire mood was created, the event or moment in time itself conveys a subtle realism. Truly, it looks like night with the falling debris of the rocket as vividly bright as you'd expect it to be, glowing & sparkling to awestruck onlookers. Perhaps we moderns have become too blase' about our fireworks-saturated & artificially-illuminated night skies to appreciate Whistler's "Nocturne". It's possible.

[@kik9a]

Thanks for the nice video.

[@supremereader7614]

I love this painting! Thanks for reviewing it. This painting sort of launched abstraction in my opinion.

[@Kopernicous1]

Great video, as usual! Thanks

[@purpigment]

love, love, love this video, thank you!

[@dismith73]

I am becoming slowly obsessed with the idea that you two could do a performance of the Cole Porter song 'You're the top'. I would love that to happen, you are so great together, I hardly ever hear anyone listening to another person like you listen to each other. Thank you for all your work

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Ha! You wouldn't want to hear us sing but very much appreciate the kind words.

[@artvsmachine3703]

There's a lot in that painting that could be said to be a bit of a precursor to non-representational painting in America. Nice video.

[@yanelkysbernard2699]

"Texture of the notes" Dr. Zucker always nailing the descritive details 💪🏾!. Thank you sir. What was the instrument Whistler played? Was it the violin?

[@joelrebollar7055]

I have this painting as my wallpaper on my phone lmao

[@josephmessner5312]

I want to see this piece !

[@sauvageaux]

💘

[@radioactivedetective6876]

Whistlers Nocturnes are quite different from his Symphony paintings - which mostly have human figures. I wonder why that is. Both terms are taken from music - and but the Nocturnes are so much more abstract. Would be great if you would discuss the topic

[@chrisandres6698]

Beauty is pleasure objectified