James Tissot
On this day in 1836 James Tissot, a French painter whose works were torn between Impressionism and Realism, was born.
Tissot at some point in his life moved to London. There, he painted a couple of works that depict a British military man in uniform, accompanied by two women, surrounded by a body of water, and, notably, not on active duty. The painter loved such anecdotical scenes. He combined them with the depiction of elegance and confidence of the French ruling class, from the toes of their well-polished shoes to their silk top hats. His mastery of perspective is impressive, the intricacies of décor and clothing dazzling. With photographic realism, he catalogs the tiniest details of foliage, the fringe on armchairs, the glint on sherry glasses, and the checks on trousers.
This painting was created in 1876. It was an important time for the artist because he then met Kathleen Newton, a divorcee who became the painter's companion, frequent model, and the love of his life. She also gave birth to a son, Cecil George Newton in 1876, who is believed to be Tissot's son. She moved into Tissot's household in St. John's Wood and lived with him until her death in the late stages of consumption in 1882. Tissot frequently referred to these years with Newton as the happiest of his life, a time when he was able to live out his dream of a family life.
Have a great Friday everyone!
P.S. Have a look at Tissot's portraits of modern women in Paris. Click here!
P.P.S. If you're up for Impressionism itself, please check our DailyArt Impressionism Notebooks!