Skip to main content

Main Building

Arrangement in Black (The Lady in the Yellow Buskin)

c. 1883
James Abbott McNeill Whistler (American (active England), 1834–1903)
The subject of this painting, Lady Archibald Campbell, was interested in the art of her time and posed for three full-length portraits by Whistler. This was the only one to be completed and to survive. Lady Campbell's family, however, did not share her appreciation of contemporary art and rejected the painting, claiming it represented "a street walker encouraging a shy follower with a backward glance." But the work was purchased for the W. P. Wilstach Collection in 1895, making it the first Whistler painting bought for an American public collection.

Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.


Main Building