When Whistler was asked whether the nocturne represented a view of Cremorne, he answered:
“If it were called a view of Cremorne, it would certainly bring about nothing but disappointment on the part of the beholders. It is an artistic arrangement.”
And again, when asked whether a certain nocturne in blue and silver was a “correct” representation of Battersea Bridge, he replied:
“I did not intend it to be a ‘correct’ portrait of the bridge. It is only a moonlight scene, and the pier in the centre of the picture may not be like the piers at Battersea Bridge as you know them in broad daylight. As to what the picture represents, that depends upon who looks at it. To some it may represent all that is intended; to others it may represent nothing.”
“The prevailing color is blue?”
“Perhaps.”
“Are these figures on the top of the bridge intended for people?”
“They are just what you like.”
“Is that a barge beneath?”
“Yes. I am very much encouraged at your perceiving that. My whole scheme was only to bring about a certain harmony of color.”