The famous painting was on show at the Hunterian Art Gallery in Glasgow as part of a festival celebrating American painter James McNeill Whistler.

Visitor numbers at the museum increased by 70% between June and October while the work was on display.

Arts venues in Glasgow staged a series of events to mark the centenary of Whistler's death.

Whistler established strong connections with the Scottish art world through the dealers and collectors who bought his work.

These people will remember their visit and I hope they will want to come back to Scotland Frank McAveety Tourism Minister

His estate is held by the University of Glasgow and housed in its Hunterian Art Gallery and University Library.

The Hunterian was among the venues which took part in the Whistler Festival, which has now come to a close.

It saw the percentage of overseas visitors to the city's arts venues rise from 12% to 17% during the summer.

Frank McAveety, the minister for tourism and culture, said he was delighted by the boost to Glasgow's economy.

"The festival boasted over 100 events at more than a dozen venues city-wide," he said.

"Figures from the Hunterian Art Gallery show a 70% increase in visitors between June and October, when Whistler's famous painting, Whistler's Mother, was on display.

Cultural industries

"These people will remember their visit and I hope they will want to come back to Scotland.

"For that reason we must continue to develop cultural tourism, harnessing the international appeal of our arts festivals, exhibitions and performing arts."

Eddie Friel, chief executive of Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board, said: "This project not only illustrates the major role that the city's cultural industries play in enhancing Glasgow's tourism but also clearly demonstrates the synergy that exists between the arts and tourism.

"We were delighted to be able to work closely with the Hunterian Art Gallery to maximise the impact of Whistler 2003 in our key markets both at home and overseas."