James Jacques Joseph Tissot
1836 – 2002
“It is imagination that inflames the passions by painting in a fascinating or terrible fashion an object which impresses us.”
Bio
A French painter born in Nantes, James Tissot trained at the École des Beaux-Arts under Ingres and Flandrin but was largely influenced by avant-garde peers. Initially painting historical costume scenes, he shifted to contemporary life depictions, especially stylish women, gaining quick recognition in Parisian society. Fleeing the Franco-Prussian War, he lived in London (1871–1882), where he adapted to English tastes and painted portraits and social scenes, despite criticism from figures like Oscar Wilde. His muse and lover, Kathleen Newton, featured prominently in his intimate works until her death in 1882, after which Tissot returned to France and focused on biblical illustrations for the rest of his life. His works are held in major museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre.
James Jacques Joseph Tissot
Reverie
9” x 4.5"
Original etching printed in dark umber ink on laid paper bearing the “M Schouten & Comp” watermark
James Jacques Joseph Tissot
Sur l’herbe
7.75” x 10.63"
Etching printed in dark, brownish black on cream laid paper