To say to the painter that Nature is to be taken as she is, is to say to the player that he may sit on the piano.
James Whistler

It takes a long time for a man to look like his portrait.
James Whistler

If other people are going to talk, conversation becomes impossible.
James Whistler

I can't tell you if genius is hereditary, because heaven has granted me no offspring.
James Whistler

I am not arguing with you - I am telling you.
James Whistler

You shouldn't say it is not good. You should say, you do not like it; and then, you know, you're perfectly safe.
James Whistler

I maintain that two and two would continue to make four, in spite of the whine of the amateur for three, or the cry of the critic for five.
James Whistler