Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian is a painting by James McNeill Whistler. The work shows a woman in full figure standing with her back to the viewer, with her head in profile. The model is Ethel Whibley, (née Birnie Philip) the artist's secretary and sister-in-law. The colour scheme of the painting is black, mother of pearl and silver. The title refers to Ethel’s grey silk evening dress, which is a Parisian dress in a belle époque style, with the transparent layered sleeves of the black bolero jacket resembling a traditional Andalusian
Parable of the Pearl story. However, those who do not believe in the kingdom of heaven enough to stake their whole future on it are unworthy of the kingdom. This interpretation of the parable is the inspiration for a number of hymns, including the anonymous Swedish hymn "Den Kostliga Pärlan" ("O That Pearl of Great Price!"), which begins: <poem> O that Pearl of great price! have you found it? Is the Savior supreme in your love? O consider it well, ere you answer, As you hope for a welcome above. Have you given up all for this Treasure? Have you counted past gains as