“In court, Ruskin’s legal representatives demanded to know how long the painting had taken to execute. Two days, replied the unfazed Whistler. And did the dandyish gentleman really believe he should ask 200 guineas for a mere couple days’ work? the defence mocked.
‘No,’ replied Whistler. ‘I ask it for the knowledge I have gained in the work of a lifetime.’”
— (via Beg, Steal & Borrow: Artists against Originality)