In this case, James McNeill Whistler’s mother was his mother after all, but in this instance, also his model. This is one of his best-known works, 1871, adapted here for obvious reasons.

Rhinos are often in demand for modeling assignments, and we do our best to be patient. Holding still is not one of our strengths, but believe Us, Artists get cranky when anything looks different today than yesterday. It has something to do with light, somehow.

We had fun with this assignment. The painting seems so simple, and yet it has a Mount Rushmore sense of place among 19th Century paintings. Elegant without plumes and props. Sentimental without Triviality.