Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket
by WHISTLER, James Abbot McNeill, Oil on canvas, 60 x 47 cm
In 1875 Whistler painted a firework display in the Cremorne Gardens in London. Exhibited in London in 118175 with the explanatory words The Falling Rocket, and then again in 1877 without that tag, the painting was to incur the criticism of Ruskin, the champion of the Pre-Raphaelites. Whistler brought against Ruskin a trial of the action in 1878.
Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 18 minutes):
Handel: Fireworks Music