What is gentle art of making enemies?

"The Gentle Art of Making Enemies" is a book written by James McNeill Whistler, an American artist. The book is a collection of letters and essays that Whistler wrote over the years, in which he describes his experiences and interactions with other artists, critics, and patrons.

The title of the book, "The Gentle Art of Making Enemies", refers to the idea that Whistler believed that in order to be a successful artist, one must be willing to stand up for their artistic vision, even if it means making enemies along the way. He advocated for artists to be true to their own artistic vision and not to compromise their work in order to please others.

Whistler's writing is known for its witty and often biting commentary on the art world of his time, and the book has become a classic in the world of art criticism. It is also considered a valuable resource for understanding the mindset and creative process of one of the most influential artists of the late 19th century.