The Rebellious Curator

Nocturne in Black and Gold (The Falling Rocket) by James Abbott McNeill Whistler 1875

A dramatic fireworks display is depicted in this moody landscape, where smoke and trails of glowing sparks fill the evening sky. Parts of the painting are too out of focus to see any more details, but could depict people or buildings. The story goes, that this painting led to a bitter fight between Whistler and art critic John Ruskin. Ruskin strongly disliked the painting and accused Whistler of "flinging a pot of paint in the public's face." Ruskin believed the painting was rendered too messy and that not enough time was spent on details. In response, Whistler took Ruskin to court and demanded he pay for the insults. Whistler won the case and received a quarter penny for damages. He was so proud of his win that he wore the quarter penny on his waist chain until his death in 1902.