A framed painting by James Abbott McNeill Whistler entitled "Arrangement in Pink, Red and Purple".

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (July 11, 1834 to July 17, 1903) was an American born, British based artist. Averse to sentimentality and moral allusion in painting, he was a leading proponent of the credo, art for art's sake. His famous signature for his paintings was in the shape of a stylized butterfly possessing a long stinger for a tail. The symbol was apt, for it combined both aspects of his personality, his art was characterized by a subtle delicacy, while his public persona was combative.