Whistler’s Woman in White: Joanna Hiffernan

Joanna Hiffernan’s relationship with Whistler ran deeper than artist and muse. In this rich exhibition the RA explores her life and role as a friend, model, lover and collaborator.

Many of James McNeill Whistler’s works feature the red-haired figure of Joanna Hiffernan. Her close professional and personal relationship with the artist lasted for two decades, yet little about her role or influence in his life has been explored – until now.

Today considered one of the best-known names of the late 19th-century Aesthetic Movement, Whistler moved to London as a young painter hoping to forge his reputation. It was here that he met Joanna Hiffernan, an Irish model who would become his muse, confidante and more.

In this exhibition, the RA uncovers the role Joanna played in the artist’s career and discover how Whistler’s revolutionary paintings featuring Hiffernan went on to influence later artists from the Pre-Raphaelites to Klimt.