Whistler, an American, is always known for his portrait of his Mother

She was devioutly religious and in his painting, it shows. That's a bible she is holding.

The Thames in Ice

Although born in Massuchusetts in the USA, Whistler spent the five years of life (from 9 to 14) in Sr. Petersbyrg where his Father, a railroad engineer, was working on the St, Petersburg to Moscow railroad. He studied at the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts and also learnt French during that time.

He attended school and military college back in the States but was never destined to serve in the military. He moved to Paris at 21 tio become an artist.

Then at 24 he moved to London and many of his paintings are Thames scenes, He died in London.

The Thames at Wapping