Tissot – I

On By ResaIn James Tissot, Tribute

Tissot, a name I hadn’t heard much. Then the AGO announced an exhibit featuring their collection of 2 oil paintings, 1 watercolour and 30 etchings on paper.

A Most Enchanting Day at the AGO

The Fashionable Beauty (1885)
  • There were several variations of the “Fashionable Beauty”
  • This one was from the hip up.
  • Some were more whispy, some more dense
  • Camera on portrait stage setting

In the last decades of the nineteenth century, James Tissot portrayed women within the contradictions of the period.

Political Woman (1885)

Modernity via the speed of travel, fashion and commodity culture is juxtaposed with the constraint of women’s every day lives.

Flaunting the “Masculine” Realm

  • The Newspaper (1883)

A well dressed woman reads a newspaper. The fashionable Japanese-influenced wallpaper lining the wall informs of her engagement with the outside world & knowledge of trends.

Fashion magazines and novels were appropriate for Victorian women.

Newspapers were linked to men, as they symbolized factual knowledge and interest in global politics. Although, the image below depicts another reason a woman would read a newspaper.

Without a Dowry (1885)

The above image portrays a young woman and her mother in a Parisian park. The black clothing suggests they are mourning a male relative, and are without a dowry. The daughter sits in an available position, while the mother searches the newspapers for marriage offers.

Dreaming (1881)

More About the Artist

“Best known for his paintings of fashionable figures, Tissot began his career in Paris. While he turned down Edgar Degas’s invitation to exhibit with the impressionists, he shared the groups desire to portray scenes of modern life in an innovative style. He moved to London in 1871 after fighting in the Franco-Prussian War, and became a popular painter of Victorian scenes, particularly those showing young women in typically modern moments, before returning to France in 1882.” – Art Gallery of Ontario

Portico – National Gallery, London (1878)

Moral Ambiguity, a Central Theme

Sunday Morning (1883)

A well dressed young woman walks to church holding a bible. Her raised eyebrows and tentative gaze pose the question, does she need to atone for her sins, or is she nervous about being late for service?

Horizontal women’s bodies were lubricous from a voyeuristic perspective.

Slumbering female figures had erotic connotations in the Victorian Era, especially in semi-conscious states like dreaming or sleeping.

The Fan (1876)

Now discredited – The below woman’s twisted hand was indicative of the pathological disorder – hysteria. This “chic” female disease was considered fashionably feminine and modern.

Sleeping Woman (1876)

The moral ambiguity of Tissot’s images was integral to their popular appeal.

British critics claimed they were too, risqué, too French.

  • The Hammock (1880)

A Personal Fascination

Other than the title, I know only that the etching below is in the Hippodrome (ℹ︎ Met Museum site). I was mesmerized by it. All that skin makes the costumes seem so modern and the Statue of Liberty crowns were piquing.

The Ladies of the Chariots (1885)

I can’t get everything into 1 post, so there will be a Tissot – II. In the meantime, I leave you with a shot of the 1 watercolour with gouache on paper.

Waiting (late 1800’s)

The young girl’s bored stare, pale skin, under eye circles with oversized bonnet and gloves (highlighting weight loss) suggest tuberculosis.

“Consumption” was coined a term, as it consumed patients, and ate away bodies.

Is she waiting for someone or something?

Is she waiting to heal or die?

Photos © Resa McConaghy – Taken January 7, 2025

Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Canada

Information Source: The Art gallery of Ontario

123 thoughts on “Tissot – I”

    1. Thanks Dave!
      What a wonderful escape art is. The moment I enter a graffiti alley, an art gallery or a good book, life is fine.

      Tissot’s art lured me in, because of the gowns. Then history came with it. Now, I’ve got a series of faux Victorian gowns drawn in pencil with a faux etching feel.

      Reply

    1. I agree Ada. The art is pleasing to me, then there is a history lesson attached. I love it!
      I’m always excited to share any of the arts. 💖🌹 Thank you !

      Reply

  4. It looks like an interesting exhibit. I didn’t really know his work. Thank you for sharing.

    Hysteria was definitely considered a women’s ailment, from the ancient idea of the wandering womb that needed sexual intercourse to hold it in place. Sarah Ruhl wrote a play about it, In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play).

    That poor child really does look sick! The Victorians were obsessed with illness, death, and mourning rituals. And there was a sort of idealization of consumption in the arts–Mimi in La Bohème, for example.

    You probably know all this. I’m just rambling. 🙂

    Reply

    1. Merril, I loved every escapist moment that day. It’s wonderful. There is so much art, so close to me, for $35.00 a year, and all the art in the streets an alleys on the way there and back.

      There have been so many misconceptions and preoccupations with women’s bodies since time immemorial. The Vibrator Play sounds interesting. Is it funny?

      Yes, the Victorians were misinformed culture, but had rules and propriety. The 2 seem to go together to form an “obsessed” culture.
      It is strange that illnesses could become …trendy.
      Still, if you have no cures for all of the illnesses, a few should become fashionable. I mean, you are going to die anyway, might as well go out with a fashionable disease. (facetious)

      Mimi in La Bohème, my first opera I listened to on tape, and learned the story. (never saw it)

      Ramble away! I do. 💙😂

      Reply

        1. It is worth it!
          It is strange. What’s stranger, is that we must all step in line or be an outcast.
          I was outcast from my family because I wouldn’t get married, and lived in sin with a ….GASP…. musician.

          At some point it became cool.

          Reply

  5. This is haute at its finest, Resa.

    The porcelain skin rising from the canvas, the strength making itself known to one and all. Each rendering more powerful than the last. I am a fan!

    Reply

    1. Yay! Me too. I am a fan.
      For 3 hours I was somewhere else, without the help of drugs, alcohol, junk food or hitting my head wth a bat.

      If it wasn’t for the arts, I don’t think I could get through the upcoming years.

      MUAH!

      Reply

    1. Thanks John!
      Art does lead to historical investigation and information.
      I was beyond excited to share this, and can hardly wait for the second Tissot post.
      Of course I have quite a few posts planned on my other blog and I am back drawing and sewing.

      Art is a wonderful thing!
      🎨𝒳 𝒪💃🏽

      Reply

  10. How fabulous. Resa, this is just terrific. I’ve heard of the artist but didn’t know anything about him until now. Thank you so much for this informative and beautiful post. Love it. ❤️

    Reply

              1. A’ck…I’m sorry about that. There’s nothing you can do. You have your hands full with Misha. Just keep distracting yourself. I’m sorry our dying country is driving everyone insane. Hopefully it will be over soon.❤️

  11. When I hear the name Tissot, I think of fashion, not art so I thank you, Sorceress for showcasing this wonderful art in your inimitable way. You make it so interesting and also make me want to look closer when I am at various museums.

    Beautiful job and fascinating.

    Reply

    1. I knew the name, but when I saw the promo for the show, all I could think was GOWNS. He drew gowns!

      Okay, all women wore long dresses, the wealthier ones, gowns, and were in many paintings.

      However, Tissot was focused on women, so the gown is up front, and there is something akin to fashion illustration about his work.

      Which is why I am so inspired, and have begun a collection of AGM’s in faux Victorian gowns in a faux etching style.

      Eeeeeee!

      Thanks Thunder! You’re gonna look great in a faux Tissot!
      xoxoxoxo

      Reply

      1. How could you not think Gowns?

        I knew nothing of him, outside of his name so thank you for this.

        And yay! I love when you get inspired!

        Wooooot!

        xoxoxoxoxo

        Reply

  12. I loved and was unfamiliar with Tissot’s art, Resa! Thanks for sharing it and going back in time where we honored what was without trying to steal or change it into sometime for our benefit.

    So many of these spoke to me but like you, I do love the “Hippodrome (ℹ︎ Met Museum site). I was mesmerized by it. All that skin makes the costumes seem so modern and the Statue of Liberty crowns were piquing.”

    A little skin is always nice. lol 😂

    Don’t know if you saw my post sharing your site after posting Rhonda’s acknowledgment but I posed you a challenge. 🤣 Ignore the shit show of a week I’ve had and then I started getting sick so turned off comments.

    Neeways, I look forward to part 2!

    ❤️🙌🏽

    Reply

    1. I was swept away at the exhibition!
      So many beautiful etchings, and that is hard to do. You have to engrave backwards on wood or metal. How nuts is that?

      I’m heading over to see what you have been up to!
      xoxo🌺❌

      Reply

    2. OMG!
      Cindy.. I read the post, it’s fab, but I can’t comment.
      I mean, there is no comments box for me to type in. I “liked” okay.
      This has only happened on your blog today.
      When I look in the upper right corner, there is no notifications Bell. It looks like I am not logged in, but I am.

      I just rechecked some other blogs, and all is well.
      SO, I will go make dinner. THEN, I will come back after dinner and see if the issue went away!

      I do want to leave a comment. This is a new WP Gremlin for me.
      🌺 xoxoxo

      Reply

  13. Amazing etching (and painting) and thank you for the insights into them, Resa. What a considered appropriately feminine at the time is annoying to our modern views (women don’t have a mind for politics and foreign affairs, women need dowries to get a man, women are hysterical, women are too sexy when they sleep). Well, maybe the last is true. Lol. I’m glad Tissot challenged some of those beliefs. I’m looking forward to Part 2!

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad I went to the exhibit. I had heard his name, but had no idea of his art. There are scads and scads of art in the AGO. They can’t even show it all at once.
      It’s been awhile since the Tissot collection was displayed.

      It’s not a wonder I’m inspired to do an AGM faux Victorian gowns, faux etching series.

      For $35.00 one has unlimited access for a whole year. I take TTC there, but if it’s a nice day I’ll walk back. It’s only 3.5 miles, and there’s tons of street art en route.

      Art will be my saviour and escape in the coming years ahead. We’re in for a rocky time.

      The last painting is so haunting. TB was a devil back then.

      I’m so happy you saw this collection, Meece.
      If you see something about a gown or image that I could include in the AGM Tissot collection, pass it along!
      xoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

      1. I’ll do that, this is a real beauty. You walk 3.5 miles! I would be afraid to walk that here.

        The majority of us despise
        what’s going on. It’s beyond belief. The sheep will cry us river when they suffer the consequences, after all the clown promised them lower prices and costs have shot up in anticipation of the repercussions.

        We love our Neighbors up North. We appreciate them. We are in the grip of greed and power grab and hatred.
        I am hoping good will prevail.
        Love you dear Meece.
        xoxoxoxo

        Reply

        1. I hope the US survives the autocratic oligarchic takeover its experiencing.

          From the distance I stand, and my knowledge of politics and history, the USA is experiencing a coup.

          It’s not a military coup, but that could happen if this first part succeeds.

          Why are people not out in the streets in droves? Oh right, you’ll be shot in the legs.

          I love you, too, and you are in trouble. The whole world is effected by this mad man at this time.
          xoxoxoxo

          Reply

          1. They are protesting ICE in droves in LA. Trump actually sent the military to break up the BLM protest in his first term. Completely against the constitution. But he dies t care about that. We must do something to stop this. Our Senate is deaf and blind and mute. Bullied.
            If his constituents turn against him due to high consumer prices and his poll numbers go down that will wake up the congress to the possibility of losing their cushy seats.
            God, this is something no one anticipated.

            Reply

            1. Sigh!
              I’m not clairvoyant, but I could see it coming.
              I think trump knows that the prices going up will ef him up.

              Canada is targeting products from red states to put tariffs on, and cancelling contracts, with red states. That’s why he put it on hold.

              Of course he’ll say he won, because Canada & Mexico are dealing with their borders, just like he promised.

              A statistic shows that .1% of Fentanyl comes through Canada, by Americans. Yet, he is saying Canada is allowing tons over the border.
              Anyway, that’s just a tip of the iceberg.
              Musk has control of America’s payroll now. What’s next? I suppose we’ll be seeing pics of the concentration camp at Gitmo.

              I feel sorry for you, and the world!
              xoxoxoxoxo

              Reply

              1. I know, it’s all a front to pull this crap, there was steady an agreement with Canada prior to Trumps regime. He’s a lying criminal. I don’t know what will happen if there is a revolt against. This regime.
                He’s the worst thing that ever happened to the us and the world,
                I don’t know what’s going to happen
                Two weeks in office and it’s clear he is a dictator.
                Musk put out a post on twitter today that anyone protesting Trump will be banished from the site. I was so happy to see a reply “ F Trump”. Spelled out.

    1. Thank you, Camilla! Yes on both counts.
      The exhibit really lifted my spirits… had me zooming all over the art gallery.
      How fab that I live so close, and can go often!

      Reply
      1. camilla wells paynter's avatar camilla wells paynter

        No kidding! I’m really impressed by the idea that a male artist of that era might have so sensitively explored the feminine as it was framed and constrained by his culture. I feel like there’s a lot to explore in those pieces, so much conveyed in facial expression, for example. Thanks for the great post!

        Reply

        1. Thank you Camilla!
          I was in female art heaven looking at this art.
          Part 2 will take a bit of time.
          Time… that thief has stolen 150 years since Tissot created his art commentary.
          Yes, some women of the world are in a better position, but many languish as second rate citizens.
          U apprecciate your visit and comments! 🌹

          Reply

    1. Thanks Teagan!
      It will take me a bit of time, but I’m working on a collection of faux Victorian gown designs in a faux etching style.
      So excited!!!! HUGS!

      Reply

    1. Dahling!

      He did love gowns and women. He was scandalous.

      He also got rich, while many other artists did not, in their lifetime. That will be in the next post.

      AND, now I am doing a series of AGM drawings in faux Victorian gowns in a faux etching style.

      Nothin inspires like the arts… all of the arts.

      Except…maybe Hera’s kisses!

      xoxoxoxoxoxo🧽🧽🧽🧽

      Reply

    1. Dear Aladin,
      Thank you so much for this comment!

      I was so enchanted by these works, that I am now doing a series of drawings of faux Victorian gowns, in a faux etching style.

      The art Gallery is a place of riches.

      🌟🌹💖🤗

      Reply

        1. Rich in love.. plumbing not so much. 🤭
          Still beauty is where we find it, and I’m finding a lot in Tissot’s art, AND at the art gallery!
          xx💖🌹🌸

          Reply

  22. What a wonderful collection of James Tissot’s paintings, Resa. I feel that I was there at the AGO with you. What I find most compelling about Tissot’s paintings is that they offer a vivid glimpse into the social dynamics of the late 19th century, particularly in relation to women’s roles and fashion. I especially appreciate how he portrays women in elegant attire, showcasing their status and the societal expectations of femininity during that era. His attention to detail highlights the beauty of his subjects, even those details reflect the changing attitudes towards women in society. He captures the complexities of women’s experiences, revealing both their empowerment and the constraints imposed upon them.

    Reply

    1. I always think of you when I’m at the AGO!
      It’s like..Oh what would Rebecca say about this or that?

      I must heed your enthusiasm for the future of the arts. The AGO has many modern today artists’ collections and exhibits. I’m just so carried away by the classics, and 3-4 hours in there go by in about 15 minutes.

      Art is for sure a window into the period it was painted. I agree, Tissot has captured the political landscape women were going through.
      It was at that time the Suffragette movement was born in England. It’s interesting that women didn’t get the vote in France until 1944

      It seems the English thought he was too risque, and the French thought he was dated.

      Whatever, I am enamoured, and as you know will be doing a renditional (a new word I made up) tribute in the near future.
      First Tissot II, and before that – The Poor on the MHM series on my other blog.

      Rebecca, it seems what started with street art passion has mushroomed into the rest of my life calling – THE ARTS

      Reply

      1. YOU said it best, Resa. Art remembers us. What I love about our conversations is that we are writing about art from the past and linking it to our time and place. I believe that we are all artists in one form or another. It is our duty to pursue creativity with resolute determination and enthusiasm. I think of Marcus Aurelius who one wrote “everything we do now, echoes in eternity.? Let’s make those echoes resonate with joy, beauty and hope!!

        Reply

    1. Hahahaha! Agree, and never mind the underpinnings! Getting the underwear on took longer than the dress, shoes, coat, gloves and hat combined.
      I will say though, they didn’t use a lot of water washing everything all the time.

      Still, it looks neat, and I’m going to try some faux Victorian gowns in faux etching style.

      I learned a lot about women in society from this exhibit. Sometimes art teaches us more than the history books.
      Thanks or popping by and the comment Pam! 🌟

      Reply

      1. It’s funny you say that, Resa, because of all the things that I would not like to go back in time for, it’s the absence of showers and flush toilets! 🚽 I can’t even imagine how bad people smelled! Meet Michelangelo? Nope, no 🚽! Meet DaVinci? Nope, no 🚽. Meet Shakespeare? No thank you. They dump their poop out second story windows! Anyway, sorry to digress on such a lovely post on fashion, Resa, but you get the point. 😂😘🙏

        Reply

        1. YES!
          I was stuck in South America for a year ($$ & passport had been stolen)
          I lived among the peasants, the Indios.
          It was like the Victorian era without the cool clothes!

          Lol, I get the point! 💖🌷🌸😂

          Reply

  24. It piques interest. Aren’t you glad you’re a woman NOW, Resa?

    Facebook has dragged me into some fabulous collections in the Louvre in Paris, and I saw some Vivienne Westwood in one of the palais. Fabulous stuff!

    Reply

    1. Ohh yes, Jo! NOW is good.
      It’s wonderful how much history we can learn through the joy of looking at art!

      Vivienne is a special designer from our era!
      Thanks for coming to check out the post, and for your cool comment!

      Reply

  25. I’m unfamiliar with his work, Resa, so thanks for sharing it in such a fascinating and informative post. An amazing collection and what an experience this was for you! I love how he portrayed women to be more than barefoot and pregnant! I look forward to Part 2! Sending hugs! xo

    Reply

    1. Lauren,
      Thank you for popping by and your wonderful comment!
      Art is saving me right now, with all the insanity in the world going on.
      Also, I love how art can be a window into the past.
      Of course Tissot’s etchings have inspired me to draw a collection of faux Victorian gowns in a faux etching style.
      My hand is almost healed. Tonight will be my first night drawing in 3 weeks.
      xo🌹🌹xo

      Reply

      1. You’re welcome, Resa, and I get it! We’re trying to watch less news because it’s all so insane. What did you do to your hand? I don’t remember hearing about it. But I’m glad you’ll be drawing tonight. I can’t wait to see your gowns if you’re going to share later on. Hugs xoxoxo

        Reply

  26. Oohhh! These are stunning!! Sorry I missed it, I just realized I only subscribed to your Graffiti blog so I just subscribed to this one as well to make sure they notify me of new posts!

    Thanks for introducing me to James Tissot, Resa. What gorgeous drawings and I love all the details of the costumes. I especially adore The Fashionable Beauty, she reminds me a bit of Audrey Hepburn. Actually, the dress of The Political Woman also reminds me of one of her gowns in My Fair Lady (one of my all time faves) when she was at the horse race. I love that Tissot portrayed women within the contradictions of the period, that’s pretty progressive of him.

    Spectacular post, my friend, hope your hand is on the mend now. ❦ ♡ ♥

    Reply

    1. Well then I missed this comment. So, don’t worry!

      Having the 2 blogs is somewhat nutty. Yes, I can see My Fair Lady in the Political Woman etching.

      Part 2 is up tomorrow, and I’ll be by to visit your week’s posts.

      WP comments & follows are glitching. If I think I’m subscribed, but the subscribe is not green, I refresh and it turns green.

      If it’s not green, I can’t comment. Uch.

      Anyway, these things tend to self correct. xoxoxoxo

      Reply

  27. I somehow missed this when you posted it! So very interesting. Poor little girl in that watercolor! Brrr. I think waiting for death seems most likely since a cure was a couple of decades in the future. My favorite is the woman and her child sitting on the garden steps, dreaming. You have to wonder what awful life she has to have that expression, and yet there may be a little hope for the future.

    Reply

    1. I think you were away.

      Whatever, I love it when you visit! You are so smart and arts loving.
      Waiting for death, a sad painting… consumption – tuberculosis. I’ve heard it’s on the rise in some 3rd world countries, but not here. Still, nature will throw another disease at us.

      You picked an unusual fave. I’m not surprised.
      His art really is a journal of the Victorian era.

      Of course I was mesmerized by “Ladies of the Chariots” I kept thinking how scandalous that image was at the time. That lead to thoughts of how women have gained so many rights and freedoms since then.
      Then the Statue of Liberty crowns made me wonder on the state of those freedoms?

      Hope for the future, as you say, comes up again. 150 years after the fact of this art,
      looking through Tissot’s window into the past, I can almost see a future.

      Reply

      1. I was most likely in Vermont when you posted it.
        Consumption – tuberculosis. I’m not sure how common it was, but it seems that I have read about so many deaths from it in the Victorian age. I know there have been some outbreaks here over the years, but localized and quickly stomped out.
        Without reading about it, it seems that the ladies on the chariots were part of a type of circus and were supposed to be Roman. The crowns where part of the Roman Goddess costumes, though I guess maybe the goddess being portrayed would be “Liberty” – that was a very French idea. Of course the Statue of Liberty is French and there is even a copy in Paris (OK, just googled and there are a couple, but I was thinking of the quarter scale one that was a working model for the one in New York).
        Looking at today, hope for the future is the best way to cope…

        Reply

        1. Yes, TB’s days should be over in 1st world counties. Still, I keep hearing about Measles in Texas. I thought that was long gone.

          I quite like the Statue of Liberty crown. It is a symbol of the look of freedom and hope……. for now and the future!

          Hmmm, I think I will draw it on one of the drawings I do for my faux Tissot post!

          Reply

  28. Well, these are all exquisite, and, at the same time, I can’t imagine how uncomfortable these women were. My favorite is “Without A Dowry.” The reason it is my favorite is the same reason I want to scream when I think of how we are turning back the clocks on women’s rights, which the brave women before us died and fought for so bravely. If a woman had no money, she was basically screwed, she had to beg and pray for a husband, who then was completely free to run around with whomever he wanted to. I also try to imagine what it would be like if you had gas while wearing a corset. That is why women never ate, I suppose when they went out. To look at the dresses themselves is an amazing treat because I can’t even begin to understand the time and patience to sew some of these creations. The beginning painting reminded me of some of your elegant design work. Clothing was another way of keeping women under control. I loved the dialogue that you provided about the lounging women and what seemed to be considered sexual. Now, women walk around in grocery stores in thongs. Well, at least I have seen that here in VA by a lake store. I watched a guy who had been bagging groceries walk right into the wall while the two girls in thongs laughed at him. I really enjoyed looking through these paintings, and even more so with your knowledgeable explanations. Thank you so much for sharing and the education behind the paintings. Many blessings and I gladly gave up my bra when I was young, but I always thought a one-piece low-cut, and high-thigh bathing suit was far more attractive than a bikini. Big hugs Resa and thank you again. <3<3<3

    Reply

  29. You have written very comprehensive article with excellent pictures, the visual arts are very strong and thought provoking. I myself also have studied these and painted and drawn very much. I studied the visual arts because I have a chromesthesia, I can get advantage of both, the music and visual arts. An interesting post👍

    Reply

    1. Thank you Jean!

      Chromesthesia, I never heard of this before. I looked it up, and it sounds like an interesting situation.

      Perhaps this is why your music is so excellent, and prolific.

      Please accept my apologies for this tardy reply! I was away from this blog for quite awhile, and now have a lot of catching up to do.

      It is an honour to have someone as talented as yourself visit my blog.

      xo

      Reply

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