A fragile modernism

the long version

"This book is the first critical study of Whistler and his Impressionist followers and offers an in-depth analysis of Whistler's art as well as new insights into his modernist project. Anna Gruetzner Robins explains how Whistler formed an avant-garde group and sought out followers including Elizabeth Armstrong Forbes, Mortimer Menpes, Theodore Roussel, Walter Sickert and Sidney Starr to emulate his art, and proselytise on his behalf. Their reminiscences and writings provide new information about Whistler's art, and their own little known work, much of which is published for the first time, is a testimony to its persuasive effect." "Using a wealth of primary material, Robins tracks the history of Whistler and his group and shows through testimony and practice that they were formulating an identity as avant-garde artists. This is the first critical study of these Impressionist artists and throws new light on this neglected aspect of British art."--Jacket.