Question

This painting is by James Whistler, and is entitled, Symphony in Blue and Pink. What is the subject matter of this piece?
a.
The mood established by the colors and the musical feel created by the brushstrokes.
b.
The arrangement of the women so that they are vertically symmetrical.
c.
The experience and memories shared by the four figures in the painting.
d.
The four figures standing on the beach.

Answer 1

a. The mood established by the colors and the musical feel created by the brushstrokes.

Whistler titled works as "symphonies" to emphasize color and tonal harmony over narrative content — the painting's primary subject is mood and formal harmony.