{"product_id":"la-mere-gerard-james-mcneill-whistler","title":"La Mère Gérard - James McNeill Whistler","description":"\u003cp\u003eA 1858 etching by James McNeill Whistler depicting a Parisian flower seller, showcasing his early mastery of line and shadow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eLa Mère Gérard is a notable etching from James McNeill Whistler's first published set, known as the French Set or Twelve Etchings from Nature. Produced in 1858, this work captures a familiar figure from the Latin Quarter in Paris, a woman who sold flowers and matches to students. Whistler depicts her with a direct, observational approach that avoids sentimentality.\n\nThe composition focuses on the figure standing against a sparse background. Whistler employs varied line weights to define her form, using dense cross-hatching to create the deep shadows of her cloak, while employing lighter, more delicate strokes for the facial features and the texture of her apron. The etching demonstrates his early mastery of the medium, showing an interest in the character of his subjects rather than idealised beauty. The plate includes the signature of the artist and the address of the printer, Delâtre, at the bottom, which was a common practice for his early editions.\n\nThis print offers a glimpse into the bohemian life of mid-nineteenth-century Paris. Whistler lived in the city during this period, and his work often documented the people he encountered in the streets and cafes. The technical execution shows the influence of Rembrandt, whose etchings Whistler studied closely. By focusing on a humble subject, he elevates a mundane encounter into a study of human presence. The stark contrast between the dark, heavy cloak and the lighter areas of the figure's clothing creates a sense of volume and weight. This piece remains a primary example of his early graphic work, reflecting his ability to convey personality through minimal means and precise mark-making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/saint-jean-pied-de-port-odilon-redon\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eSaint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Odilon Redon — Odilon Redon\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/view-of-frankfurt-hans-thoma\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eView of Frankfurt - Hans Thoma — Hans Thoma\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"James McNeill Whistler","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58175652364623,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58175855591759,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58175855624527,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58175855657295,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58175855690063,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58175855722831,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58175855755599,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58175855788367,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58175855821135,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58175855853903,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58175855886671,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58175855919439,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/La-M-re-G-rard_Poster_CompositorV1_1783362728876.jpg?v=1783598009","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/products\/la-mere-gerard-james-mcneill-whistler","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}