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A group from Glasgow sought in 1891 to purchase his portrait of w:Thomas Carlyle was shocked that Whistler's price was 1000 guineas. A spokesman countered that the portrait was not even life size. Whistler replied, 'But, you know, few men are life size.'
— James McNeill Whistler
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More quotes by James McNeill Whistler
The rare few, who, early in life, have rid themselves of the friendship of the many.
The Gentle Art of Making Enemies (1890)
You shouldn't say it is not good. You should say you do not like it; and then, you know, you're perfectly safe.
Don C. Seitz in Whistler Stories (1913)
Two and two continue to make four, in spite of the whine of the amateur for three, or the cry of the critic for five.
It is for the artist.. ..in portrait painting to put on canvas something more than the face the model wears for that one day; to paint the man, in short, as well as his features.
The Gentle Art of Making Enemies (1890)
Yes, madam, Nature is creeping up. [in response to a lady who said that a landscape reminded her of his work]
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