Whistler's Mother (Arrested Development)

"Whistler's Mother" is a recurring gag and plot device in the American television sitcom Arrested Development. It refers to the iconic painting "Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1," commonly known as "Whistler's Mother," by James McNeill Whistler. The character of George Michael Bluth often has a poster of the painting in his bedroom.

The poster serves as a visual reminder of George Michael's inherent innocence and, ironically, the dysfunction and questionable morals surrounding him within his family. Its presence often underscores moments of awkwardness or situational humor, highlighting the contrast between George Michael's attempt at normalcy and the absurdity of the Bluth family's antics.

The painting itself doesn't hold particular significance to the plot beyond its instantly recognizable status as a symbol of motherhood and respectability. The joke derives from its incongruous placement within the chaotic and morally ambiguous world of the Bluths. The running gag emphasizes the show's penchant for visual humor and subtle, layered jokes that reward repeated viewing. The poster is sometimes altered or interacted with in humorous ways, further adding to the comedic effect.