The Gentle Art of Making Enemies

James A. MnN. Whistler had many talents. His best-known, today, was his skill as a painter, exploring new uses for the medium once photography started to claim literal realism for itself. In his day, though, Whistler achieved some fame for his ability to irritate the art establishment of the time, and for his knack of keeping himself at the forefront of public awareness. This book documents those secondary skills. Nearly all of the content reproduces series of letters to editors of major newspapers, arranged here by Whistler to ensure that he has the last word in each debate. It seems to be a lost art these days, but mighty battles were once waged in the letters columns, with volley after volley of thrust and counterthrust, all in correspondence that drips with elegant vitriol. One could almost see the borders of the news-sheet as the ropes around a boxing ring, with a editorial referee ensuring a clean fight and an entertaining public spectacle. Although many critics attracted Whistler's public scorn, John Ruskin capped Whistler's career as enemy-maker. After Ruskin maligned one of Whistler's "Nocturnes" in public, Whistler sued him for libel. Whistler won the judgment. With typically British understatement, however, it chastised him as well: he was awarded an entire farthing in damages, a fraction of a cent, but was nearly bankrupted by court costs. Whistler composed this collection largely as a tribute to the glory of Whistler, and that contributes to its enduring entertainment value. Artists from Benvenuto Cellini to the current day have autobiographically publicized themselves; self-publicity seems a required skill for any successful artist. Whistler's unique skill lay in garnering publicity through these refined and public matches of wit against acid wit. These don't just amuse, however, they also help modern readers realize the artistic and social context in which Whistler redefined what painting could be. - wiredweird