Who was James Abbott McNeill Whistler and what were some of his famous paintings and works of art?

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903) was an American artist who spent much of his career in Britain. He is known for his contributions to the Aesthetic Movement and his innovative approach to art, which included using tonal harmonies and asymmetrical compositions.

Whistler's most famous painting is Whistler's Mother, also known as Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1. It is a portrait of his mother, Anna McNeill Whistler, sitting on a chair against a neutral background. The painting has become an iconic image of motherhood and is widely recognized in popular culture.

Another well-known work by Whistler is Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket. This painting is an example of Whistler's use of tonal harmonies, depicting a nighttime scene of fireworks over a river. The painting was the subject of a famous lawsuit in which Whistler sued critic John Ruskin for defamation over his negative review of the work.

Whistler also created a series of paintings known as the Peacock Room, which is a highly decorative interior space with peacock motifs and gilded accents. The room was created for a wealthy client and is now on display at the Freer Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.