James Whistler (1834-1903) was an American Painter and etcher. His lawsuit against Ruskin was an example of his efforts to publicize his art. He was influenced by Velasquez and Japanese print artists. Among his best known paintings are Old Battersea Bridge, Nocturne St. Mark's Venice, The Artist's Studio, and Portrait of Thomas Carlyle. This painting, titled Portrait of My Mother, was first exhibited in the Royal Academy in 1872. For many years, it remained in the painter's possession. Whistler wrote, 'To me it is interesting as a picture of my mother; but what can or ought the public to care about the identity of the portrait'.