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Nocturne in Black and Gold – The Falling Rocket
Nocturne in Black and Gold – The Falling Rocket is a painting by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, completed circa 1875, that exemplified the art for art's sake movement. The painting, which shows a foggy fireworks display in the night sky and was inspired by the Cremorne Gardens in London, drew heated criticism from art critic John Ruskin, who accused Whistler of "flinging a pot of paint in the public's face". In the libel suit which followed, the court awarded a single farthing to Whistler, who was forced to share it with Ruskin; the artist declared bankruptcy soon afterwards, his paintings having quickly lost their popularity.Painting: James Abbott McNeill Whistler