Arthur Jerome Eddy was a pioneering American lawyer and influential art critic, celebrated for his keen eye in collecting early modernist works. While many of his contemporaries focused solely on French modernism, Eddy distinguished himself by embracing the powerful expressions of German artists and the innovative spirit of Wassily Kandinsky. His discerning taste helped shape the landscape of modern art appreciation in America. Though his collection was later dispersed, a significant portion found a lasting home at the Art Institute of Chicago, forming the foundation of their modern art collection.
James A. McNeill Whistler is a classic biography of one of the greatest American painters of the 19th century. Eddy's work offers a detailed and insightful portrait of Whistler's life and art, exploring the broader cultural and artistic context in which he worked. This is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of American art and the cultural landscape of the late 19th century.