by James McNeill Whistler
People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.
~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
(Clear Vision: Finding Peace in a Troubled World)
Barbara – This is one of my FAVORITE quotes. I like the painting you’ve coupled it with.
I’m happy you enjoyed the combination, Laurie! 🙂
Great quote, beautiful reflective painting! Great choices!
“only if there is light within” there is always light within, it is how we seek to reflect it back, or uncover that beauty!
Thank you, Jeff! So true what you say – it is about uncovering and reflecting the light within…
Never heard this quote before–it is precious. During those dark times in life, it is a gift to see light shining from within.
The quote was a relatively recent find for me, too… An inspiring thought to carry with us through the darkness…
Hi Barbara, I also hadn’t heard the quote before.Its so beautiful.
And the painting is perfect!
So happy you enjoyed the painting/quote combo, Rosie! 🙂
Beautiful painting, thoughtful quote! Yes, its more during the dark times that the inner light that lies deep within shows up, which keeps us going! But yes, I had never thought of this concept before. Thank you Barbara, for sharing this. 🙂
You’re welcome, Sonali! It reminds me of a saying I used to hear now and then, about the idea of hard times not necessarily building character, but rather, revealing character…
Hi Barbara,
A really nice quote, I’m another that has not read this before. The painter has captured the sadness in the models face beautifully.
Wow! I’m glad I used this quote as it seems to be new to so many folks! I love the way the model is also holding a mirror in her hand, perhaps suggesting that there might be different reflections, or ways of feeling, at the same time…
Beautiful quote to go with the beautiful painting. 🙂
Thank you, Robin! 🙂
Good quote. New to me also.
Thanks, Paul!
I love so many of Whistler’s paintings – they’re quietly Oriental, evocative and gentle: yet he was such a feisty character.
This dainty lady is indeed a symbol of the radiance that looks inward.
I have to admit that I know nothing of Whistler’s life or character – sometimes I just browse through Wikimedia Commons and “discover” artists I’ve not known before, drawn in by something in each painting. “Radiance that looks inward,” is a lovely interpretation…
Deep and very true. I think they threw stones through a few of my windows.
Oh Keith, perhaps they were jealous of your inner beauty and light as revealed in your paintings? I hope you’ve found a way to restore your shattered windows…
What a lovely quotation !
Went back and looked at the painting again. She seems youthful, tranquil and at peace from our view but her reflection shows something quite different. Or is it just me seeing it that way ?
I think you’re on to something – I looked at it again after reading your comment, Sybil, and see a difference, too. The reflection seems sad or disappointed. But the woman herself looks as if she’s feeling sympathy for the woman she sees in the mirror, like she wants to reassure her or comfort her… Thanks for noticing that! I wonder if Whistler intended the difference?