Nocturne: Blue and Gold - Old Battersea Bridge
James Abbott McNeill Whistler
- Art Funded
- 1905
- Dimensions
- 68.3 x 51.2 cm
- Vendor
- R H C Harrison
The work depicts the River Thames and Battersea Bridge by moonlight with Albert Bridge in the background, still under construction.
This painting was the Art Fund's first major acquisition and marks England's official acceptance of Whistler. It was cited as evidence in the libel action Whistler brought against Ruskin in 1878. It is ironic that this work was supported by the Art Fund since Whistler stipulated in his will that none of the pictures remaining in his studio 'should ever find a place in an English Gallery'.