Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian sister Rosalind Birnie Philip subsequently acted as secretary to Whistler and was appointed Whistler's executrix at his death. Whistler painted a number of full-length portraits of Ethel, including "Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian" and the watercolour "Rose and Silver: Portrait of Mrs Whibley"; and other sketches and etchings of her titled as Miss Ethel Philip or Mrs Whibley. Whistler commenced work on "The Andalusian" in London in 1888, the year Whistler married Beatrix, with the painting being completed in Paris in 1900. Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian Mother of Pearl and Silver: The Andalusian is a
Parable of the Pearl writings. Pope Pius XII used the phrase to describe virginity. The pearl itself is a beautiful, single entity, formed through suffering in the heart of the oyster (in the same way that believers endure lack of wealth or comfort) and like the Church, will be put on display in a coming day. Unlike precious stones which must be cut and polished to reveal their clarity and beauty, the pearl is perfect as it comes from the oyster. A version of the parable also appears in the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas (Saying 76): This work's version of the parable of the