Mother of Pearl and Silver The Andalusian

"Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian" is a painting by James McNeill Whistler, depicting Ethel Whibley in a full-length pose with her back to the viewer and head profile. The artwork features a color scheme of black, mother of pearl, and silver, referencing Ethel's grey silk evening dress and the transparent sleeves of her black bolero jacket, reminiscent of an Andalusian costume.

James McNeill Whistler was born in the United States in 1834 to George Washington Whistler. He trained in Saint Petersburg, Russia, before moving to England and later attending West Point. He dedicated himself to painting after leaving America in 1855, settling initially in Paris and later spending most of his life in London. In 1892, he returned to Paris until 1901.

Ethel Birnie Philip was born in London in 1861. She worked as Whistler's secretary from 1893–1894 and married Charles Whibley in 1896. Her sister Beatrix married Whistler in 1888. Whistler painted several portraits of Ethel, including "Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian" and "Rose and Silver: Portrait of Mrs Whibley."

The painting was started in London in 1888 but completed in Paris by 1900.