Study for "Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 2: Thomas Carlyle"

"Study for 'Arrangement in Grey and Black, No. 2: Thomas Carlyle'" is a captivating painting by James McNeill Whistler, created between 1872 and 1873. This oil on canvas, currently housed in the esteemed Art Institute of Chicago, measures 0.51 meters by 0.41 meters. nn As the title suggests, the painting is a study in grey and black, with a limited color palette that emphasizes form and light. The subject, seated in profile, is almost entirely enveloped in shadow, blending seamlessly with the background. Whistler masterfully uses light to draw our attention to the sitter's face, illuminated with a gentle glow that hints at a contemplative mood. The subtle details, such as the barely visible framed artworks on the wall, further enhance the atmosphere of quiet introspection.