Written Interview by Carolina Beretta, 04/28/2023

"The Butterfly and the Bath: Japonisme in the Art of James McNeill Whistler and Mary Cassatt"

This paper investigates the influence of japonisme in both the works of James McNeill Whistler and Mary Casssat, and how they translate from comparing works of Japanese ukiyo-e prints to their western art. With art serving as a representation of culture and societal progression, the audience is exposed to the many ways one culture influences another. Particularly, how inspiration is gathered from earlier works and how it transcends through the appreciation and imitation of art. Both James McNeill Whistler and Mary Cassat adopt a style akin to that of Japanese artists of the 18th century overall highlighting stylistic nuance in Japanese art and highlighting Japanese customs that serve as great influences in the western world.  

Art is one of the earliest constructs that communicate customs and values of a community. Historically, researchers have become knowledgeable about a culture by deconstructing the mediums, styles and tools used by artists. Whether it be hieroglyphics carved and found in ancient Egypt or oil paints whimsically stroked on canvas by Van Gogh, art is a form of communication from one culture to another. For this reason, it is found that many different cultures used similar mediums or similar styles that have led to what we call “eras of art” such as the baroque or renaissance era. Even more so previous eras serve as influence on later generations. Annaliese Haman investigates the influence of Japonisme on western art in her paper “The Butterfly and the Bath: Japonisme in the Art of James McNeill Whistler and Mary Cassat”, specifically communicating that art is timeless in its influence and in conjuring inspiration. 

Annaliese Haman is a senior art history major from Houston, Texas. Growing up, Haman was homeschooled, and found she only truly enjoyed her art history classes. This not only influenced her major, but also her decision to apply and attend CUA, as they offer art history as a discipline. As a junior Haman was required to write a substantial research paper for her seminar class, which differed greatly from past class requirements. Haman stated, “I have never done research at that level and scale, but I really enjoyed it once I got into it.” As for her topic, Asian art has always appealed and been a great interest to Haman. Although CUA doesn’t offer Asian art classes, Haman decided to take the challenge to extensively research a culture she finds beautiful. Haman stated “ I had to really search how Asian art impacted western art.” and elaborated “It goes well with the time period I really enjoy, which is impressionism.” The biggest challenge for Haman was distinguishing enough sources that would supplement her argument. 

Throughout Haman’s research she was surprised by how many sources there were. Initially starting, Haman had a superficial understanding of the art, and so the intensity of the research at times was overwhelming, but also exciting. However, this further spurred Haman into action as she delved deeper into her arguments and evaluated sources that aligned. Hamman said, “There was this sort of recognition of what Japonisme was, and once I saw it one artist I was able to see it in others as well.” So as Haman continued her research, she now had the eye to know what she was searching for making sources magically come to fruition. Haman even stated, “I now recognize it everywhere, it is so great, it makes my experiences richer.” 

While this research paper started off as a daunting experience for Haman it turned out to be a very influential experience for her. As a result of her research, Haman wants to further explore other artists within the same time period. Haman noted “A lot of the books I read covered Monet, Manet, they were looking at Van Gogh, which was also a contender in my research.” By the end of her research, Haman was really able to recognize how japonisme was being used by my artist in various ways that go beyond the era she was researching. There’s so many eras and artists that one can explore that utilize a certain style, such as Japonisme that was found in western art. In the end Haman gained new lenses for recognizing the style of art, and even more understanding how it impacts a culture.

Art will always be influential as it communicates emotions, culture and interests of the artist. When asked what she wanted the audience to gain from her research, Haman finished with, “I hope it exposes people--to one ukiyo-e prints--but art in general because there are so many angles, layers, and depths, anything someone has an interest in, can be found in art.”

Read Annaliese Haman’s piece, “The Butterfly and the Bath: Japonisme in the Art of James McNeill Whistler and Mary Cassat”, in the issue of Inventio Volume 8