Tissot – 2

On By ResaIn James Tissot, Tribute

This is the painting that lured me to the exhibit.

The Convalescent -1872

This young woman’s housecoat, patterned yellow pillow and tropical plants were introduced to Europe via colonial conquests in the southern hemisphere.

Juxtaposed to these items that signify the speed of travel, trade and fashion are the middle class woman’s long slow hours of recuperating health.

The Seasons

Tissot drew on the art historical tradition of women and natural cycles; ie. young women and spring.

Ippitsusai Buncho (Japanese, active 1765 – 1792), Kabuki. Segawa Kikunojo in female role of Ohatsu in“Yoni Osaka Nitsuino Myoto”

The elongated form, and stylized blades of grass in the foreground shows the influence of Japanese woodblock prints.

Spring Morning (1878)
Spring (1878)

Limiting the number of prints to a plate (which adds value through scarcity) was unusual prior to the second half of the 1800’s.

The simplest way to cancel a run is to rut the metal plate with deep lines.

PRINTS MADE BEFORE & AFTER PLATE CANCELLATION
Summer (1878)
October (1878)

“He also depicted women in current fashions, presenting them as both timeless and contemporary.”

Despite the racial diversity of Europe at the time, Tissot’s artworks focus on white women.

The Thames

This image of a naval officer cruising the polluted Thames River with 2 women (Must be prostitutes!) was deemed “thoroughly and willfully vulgar”by a critic.

The Thames (1876)

The British saw this as immoral French art, which included Impressionism.

Emigrants (1880)

Tissot captured the global flow at bustling ports along the Thames.

This print highlights the artist’s expertise in capturing nautical scenes.

Tissot had an infinitude for portraying women in ambiguous situations.

This emigrant woman leaving a ship with her baby makes one wonder where her journey will lead.

Souvenirs of the Siege of Paris

This collection recounts Tissot’s time as a sharpshooter with The French National Guard during the Franco-Prussian War (1870 – 1871)

Foyer of the Comédie-Française, Recollection of the Siege of Paris (1877)

Tissot’s images of dead or ailing men depict specific historical events and locations. They were viewed by Victorians as accurate reportage.

La Frileuse

Kathleen Newton (1854 – 1882)

Kathleen Turner was a young Irish divorcée and mother, who lived with Tissot in London until her early death at 28 from tuberculosis. Tissot often used her as a model.

  • Iterations of the same pose

Tissot’s prints were affordable, attracting middle-class and international buyers. His Victorian themes were adored and his prints circulated the globe, amassing the artist a small fortune.

The Women of Paris

Following the death of Kathleen in 1882, Tissot returned to Paris.

Tissot exhibited 15 paintings and a corresponding print series of modern Parisian women from different social classes, each accompanied by a short essay by a prominent French writer.

Critics panned the show as behind the times. They claimed he painted “the same Englishwoman” repeatedly.

“Following the critical failure of his exhibition, Tissot never focused on the theme of modern womanhood again.”

Shop Girl (circa 1884)

Photos taken © Resa McConaghy – January 7, 2025

Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Canada

Source material – Art Gallery of Ontario

122 thoughts on “Tissot – 2”

  1. Such nice and beautiful paintings, etchings, woodcuts, beautiful works, so beautiful rendition of clothing and models, make me dreaming, thanks for sharing these beautiful art pieces photos Resa, nice post and photo work. Thanks!

    Reply

    1. WelcomeJean Marc! I was so excited to share these. I love going to the Art Gallery.
      I love all the gowns and the history I see through Tissot’s art.
      Thanks about my photos! xx

      Reply

      1. Yes I am sure you must get immersed into it looking at those works, I should go more often to the Musée de Beaux-Arts, there is much to look at in those museums and get inspiration.

        Reply

    1. Hello TOF,
      It really is wonderful art. Why had I not heard much about this artist before this exhibit?

      And… you are right. We do get a taste of the time, its looks, its feel.
      Art is a window.
      Thank you for your visit and comment!! (always)

      Reply

  3. A wonderful post, Resa. I am reminded now how the Mary Cassatt exhibit we saw last year in Philadelphia included many of her prints and explained how she studied and learned etching and printing. She also focused on women–and working women.

    The convalescent woman looks healthy to me, and I’m reminded how convalescence was sort of a thing in the 19th century (unless you were too poor). If I remember correctly in Wuthering Heights, Catherine spent a long time at the Lintons’ house recovering after an injury.

    Reply

    1. I’d love to see a Mary Cassatt exhibit.
      It’s so neat when the exhibits focus on 1 artist, and time is taken to explain the artist’s life, impetus, life history, etc.

      Definitely the “state of rest” for women of certain means was a fashionable trend in Victorian times. Apparently it made the woman seductive.

      Thank goodness the Suffragettes came along, and gave women a new kind of “suffering” to focus on. (faux pun intended).

      I always saw it as “withering” heights, due to Catherine’s illness, and the story in general.

      OH, there’s an exhibit coming in September that’s a must see! Jesse Mockrin (living artist) https://ago.ca/exhibitions/jesse-mockrin

      There’s a lot of modern art & artists (melting squares, video mixed media, hip hop art, etc.) but I keep getting seduced by older art. Jesse Mockrin seems to be fusing old and new.

      Reply

      1. We missed some really good exhibits this past fall–modern Black, female artists. It just seemed like every time we planned to go the weather was bad or something happened.

        I don’t know Jesse Mockrin, but it looks intriguing.

        Reply

    1. Thanks Dave! I just love this art. I feel like going to the art gallery every day. Funny how life gets in the way!

      Art is such a wonderful window. Art remembers!

      Reply

  7. Wow Resa, you even have more in part 2 of Tissot’s work which is fascinating. I’d a never left the couch with that first photo that is so inviting to hang forever and a day. If only there was someone in the photo to feed grapes and wine, all would be perfect! Ha.

    Great images and runs of art with interesting stories and thoughts!
    I was so sad to hear how the young woman he lived with was so young when she died and that his next run got panned.
    So many stories within the stories with amazing art that was fascinating!
    Great job!!! 👏 💓❤️💓👍🏽

    Reply

    1. Cindy!
      Yes, that first image is enticing. It got me into the art gallery.

      I agree, it is sad that his love died so young. It seems to be his moment of decline.
      The art show that got panned was “Women of Paris”.
      Now, it looks like the critics erred, and so what if he was drawing the same woman over and over. He was drawing his love.

      The art world is a snobby place, then and now.
      Still, he left us with wonderful images, a window into the Victorian era, and he was one of the few artists who got wealthy from his art, in his lifetime.
      Thank you, Cindy! xoxo💖🎨💖

      Reply

      1. Oh, I can see we both resonated with that for sure!

        And him being famous and making money on his art says it all so there is absolutely that!

        I’m happy he was recognized and his gifts continue on no matter what that snob appeal has to say about this !

        Like our work, ,art is a form of cathartic expression and so be it.

        They would have been best mind their own damn business!

        A definite wonderful expression of the era and time!

        The best minister I’ve ever seen with at our church mind you I don’t go at all anymore, but they accused him of talking about recovery too much. Can you tell me who isn’t in recovery!
        💓

        Reply

        1. LOL…
          Yes, we are in recovery.
          Perhaps in the future our time will be described as The Recovery.
          Not as nice as the Renaissance, but it will have to do!
          Luv ya Cindy! 💖🌹🌟

          Reply

    1. Thank you Shey! xxxxxx

      So you know, I’m doing the AGMs in a faux Tissot kinda thing. It will be the next post on Art Gowns Still, it will take me a few weeks.
      It’s another learning curve. I love it!
      I’ll send you the drawing of you when it’s finished. xxx

      Reply

    1. Ada,
      Thank you for reading/looking and commenting!

      Shop Girl is magnificent in real life. It’s a massive painting. It’s (57.5 in × 40.0 in) almost 5 x 3.5 ft. Best, our art gallery owns it.

      I was mesmerized for at least 20 minutes. It’s breathtaking.

      Too bad life gets in the way. I’d be at the gallery every day! 🌟🎨❦❦🌹

      Reply

    1. Dahling!

      I love this art, too!

      I keep going to the art gallery and say, I’ll look at the Hip Hop collection, or the Modern collection, but I end up in the classics.

      What a fantastic collection our gallery has!

      Have you heard of Jesse Mockrin? She’s a young, living artist with a fresh take on the classics. There’s a show in September. So exciting! https://ago.ca/exhibitions/jesse-mockrin

      Meantime, I’ve been drawing the AGMs in a faux Tissot idea. I’ll send you in yours when it’s done!

      xoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

      1. I hadn’t heard of her and checked your link. Wonderful artist and you’re so fortunate you’ll get to see her work!
        I can’t wait to see the AGMs!!!!!
        xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

        Reply

  12. Looks like a wonderful exhibit. I know nothing about Tissot, so thanks for the write up about his life and work. I have comments about each print, but I will just mention the beginning and ending paintings (the only two?).

    The first one is marvelous, but, wow, does she look uncomfortable in that pose! If she is recovering, shouldn’t she be allowed a little comfort in that luxury? OK, her face is serene, but she also looks like she is concentrating to stay in what looks like a very athletic pose.

    There are so many details in that last one, but what catches my eye first is that it seems the gentleman is more than staring at the lady lifting something above her head and in the moment of the painting, she just realizes she’s being ogled. Awkward. Maybe 😉 That so much of the painting is taken up by the doorway and the shop is so crowded is very interesting. And though the eye is immediately drawn to what must be the “shop girl” of the title, it is just as quickly locked onto the beautiful woman with the red ribbons behind her. In fact, with placement and lighting, the woman with the ribbons is more the main character than the woman who is inside and smiling at the artist/viewer.

    Anyway, looks like a wonder exhibit 🙂

    Reply

    1. I was swept away at the exhibit, Trent.

      Yes, only 2 paintings, but a large collection of prints. His paintings (I checked some out on line) are quite stunning. Still, I have been inspired by his prints. He was clever to offer them – first run on expensive paper, second run lesser inks and paper and third run with cheap ink on cheap paper. That way his art was affordable to the lower classes. It makes me think the cheap prints were the Farrah Fawcett posters of their day.

      Yes, I did notice the woman with the ribbons, and interesting that you mention the gentleman’s gaze, with the other shop girl looking back at him. Still, (don’t laugh) my fave part of the painting is the Judy with the par made jacket with no sleeves on it. There is a lot to look at in the painting. I feel like I was in the street looking through the window, then walked in through the door.

      Agree, the reclining “ill” woman in the first painting looks not sick and quite posed, but I am captivated. It was fashionable to be faux ill, and recovering for eternity in that part of the Victorian era.

      As a gownaholic, the gown and lushness around the gown captured me, and lured me into the show.

      Love your comment Trent! You would be a blast to go to an art exhibit with.

      Have you heard of Jesse Mocktin? https://ago.ca/exhibitions/jesse-mockrin

      I can hardly wait!

      Reply

      1. The Judy in the shop – professional curiosity 😉 lol, not surprised it caught your attention! Yeah, a huge amount of detail.
        The woman in the first picture was most likely “fashionably ill”, though truthfully she was most likely a very healthy model who was doing that pose for pay.
        It does sound like a wonderful exhibit! I have not been to a gallery or museum, in far too long and need to get into to Boston this year just to go to the MFA.
        Thanks, it is fun to see something like this with someone who appreciates it and with whom you can discuss all of what you saw 🙂

        Reply

        1. Yes, that must be it… professional curiosity. My eyes zoomed right in on the Judy.
          Oh my, I’ll bet the MFA has a brilliant collection.

          So, I went to the MOCA awhile back. (Museum Of Contemporary Art). I want to do a post about it, but I don’t get a lot of it.
          Also, it was much more harshly lit than the Art Gallery, making photography difficult. Still I got some cool shots.

          May I send you some? Perhaps we could do a post together? Like I say wtf is that? Or that piece is food in another country. Then you could comment.
          I do these joint posts up in a secret page before I post. That way you can see what I’m/we’re doing.

          Just a thought! In the future, No rush. 🤔

          Reply

  13. A beautiful series of paintings , I am surprised that Tissot did not receive more recognition for such authentic work. They have a wonderful nostalgic vibe, one feels they present in this era. I particularly love the “recuperating “woman , though I agree she position in a way that seems a bit unusual. Thank you for bringing more of Tissot . I really love this era of art.
    xoxoxoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Holly!
      (Meece)
      Yes, the lounging woman is a bit odd, but it was a beauty statement of the Victorian era.
      Feeble, ailing reclining women were popular sexual images. Haha, the centrefolds of the day.
      Thank goodness for the Suffragettes!

      I love the art of the era too, and I am surprised I hadn’t heard more about him.

      Well, as much as I would not want to wear one of those horrid corsets, I LOVE the gowns.

      Drawing away over here. I have to keep remembering to cinch in the waists to give them that Tissot look of the era.

      Getting better at it. I’ve got 2 more almost finished. I did a Dale, but it’s a 3/4 angle (trying to show bussel) and it’s another challenge.
      I’ll send you more drawings in a day or 2.
      The next Art Gowns post will be the “Faux Tissot” post!
      xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

        1. Finally getting back into the artistic routine, now that I have Meece hands again. The one hand was an elephant hoof there for awhile, then it was lion’s paw.
          Hard to draw with a paw.
          xoxoxoxoxo

          Reply

  15. A lovely tour of Tissot’s work, Resa. It is like a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario. It was sad to read about Kathleen’s death and added to an understanding of Tissot’s mindset at the time. The failure of his exhibition was another blow that sent him in a different direction. Your coverage of Tissot’s work is wonderful. Thanks 🐂

    Reply

    1. Thank you, John!
      I agree. Kathleen’s deat seemd a downward tuning point in his life.

      Still, the critics were nasty. Critics are still nasty. Art is one snobby world. Hmm, I wonder how many of the critics can actually paint?

      I adore this art, and I’m happy I conveyed some of that to you!
      🐂 🎨𝒳 🐖

      Reply

  18. Tissot is glorious. Some of these dressing gowns remind me of the one Angelina Jolie wore in the recent movie ‘Maria.’ I am in love with this robe and found it was hand knitted from exotic wool and designed by Massimo Cantini Parrini. To die for. Google it if you are interested and haven’t seen it. I would love to find a replica.

    Reply

    1. Beautiful clothes! The designer is outstanding. He did a lot of research into the “real” pieces Maria wore.
      If you are talking about the white knit dressing gown, it would have to be custom made.
      Well, everything would have to be custom made.
      Oddly, I have an Honours Degree in Knitting Design and Technology from Sheridan College.
      Not many alive know how make that kind of an item these days. Technology along with commerce has changed greatly.

      You have wonderful taste, Cindy!

      Reply

  20. Resa, I adore Tissot’s work. They are all generally wonderful. However, he brought out such beautiful details in the clothing. I’ve often wondered about the “dress” in that first painting. So it’s a housecoat… I can see that now. Thanks for that explanation.
    On a different note, I’m happy to learn of Misha’s progress! (From your comment elsewhere.) You must have cried happy tears when you heard her playing. Huge hugs.

    Reply

    1. I adore his work, too. He was of the impressionist era, but went his own way. Although many of the underlying political ideas were the same.

      As a gown nut, I was lured in by his gown art. I’m inspired and doing some faux Tissot drawings now.

      Yes, Misha is coming along, nicely. My arms ache to hold her, but that is coming. HUGS!

      Reply

    1. Interesting comment, Liz.
      There must have been a lot going with women. Trade was happening, and there were things to see and buy. More women were reading. Women’s magazine’s were happening, and most importantly, the idea of equality to men was in the air. The Suffragist movement was about to be born.

      Reply

  22. Resa, you have become a professional connoisseur of painting art; congrats!
    Tissot is a master of painting, like a photographer, who not only painted but even Recorded the scenes.
    I enjoyed every word and illustration; thank you, my friend!

    🤙👏💖🙏

    P.S. I need to archive this one as well!😉😘

    Reply

    1. Thank you a million times, dear Aladin!
      Gee, what an honour to hear that from you, and archiving it. Wow!

      Yes, Tissot was a journalistic painter in many regards. His women and gowns mesmerize me.
      Thank you for looking, reading and your special comment!
      xo💖🌹🌟❦❦

      Reply

  25. Oh Resa!! A wonderful Tissot # 2 collection. I understand completely why you were dawn to Tissot’s painting “The Convalescent”. Even experiencing the painting via a computer screen, I feel the emotional moment of delicate introspection and healing. The sunlit room, the symbols of recovery and comfort, the soft color palette, dominated by warm tones, evokes a sense of tranquility and hope. I am amazed by Tissot’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the textures of the fabrics and the play of light. The woman’s expression reflects a blend of vulnerability and resilience. I sense that she is on a journey towards recovery.

    Reply

    1. I’m shivering reading your comment, Rebecca.
      I agree with everything you are saying.
      The painting was the lure. Then when I got to the exhibit it was “Hook, line and sinker”!

      Anyway, now I’m doing faux Tissot Art Gown drawings. I haven’t done you, yet, but I’m chuckling at what Tissot would have thought of your palazzo pants.
      Of course they will be ornate and have a bussel! 😂 Hugs!

      Reply

  27. I can totally see why “The Convalescent” drew you to the exhibition, Resa. It’s stunning. Thank you so much for Tissot – Part 2. The paintings and etchings are beautiful and I appreciate the close ups that show the fine detail. What an array of artwork from quite dainty to “immoral.” Those French. Lol. Thanks for the fascinating research and exquisite dive into art. ❤

    Reply

  28. Ooohh! I’ve been waiting for Part 2 of your Tissot post!

    The Convalescent is exquisite! I can see why that drew you in. Well you have great taste!

    So you mentioned Tissot’s prints were affordable enough for middle-class and international buyers. How much are those I wonder… I LOVE that Shopgirl one, I wouldn’t mind placing that print in my office.

    Thanks Resa for this fascinating + lovely post!

    Reply

      1. Where would humanity be without the arts? Oh I can’t and won’t imagine it… it would certainly be a dark and dull place!

        Oohhh thanks for sending the link to art.com! I’ve been looking for a wall art for my home office to replace the one I got that I don’t care for anymore, so I have to peruse and shop around, thank you dear Resa!!

        Reply

    1. Thanks Pam!
      Yes, that is an interesting piece.
      Pardon for the late response.
      I’ve been over on my other blog, and have just come back here to work on a couple of poss and catch up!

      Reply

  30. Art critics were always fickle huh? I mean, they called him too provocative at one point and then behind the times at another. Proof that artists rarely get their due while alive. It’s why they’re so interesting to hang out with, I guess.

    Reply

    1. Hahaha! Yes, you are right, Marc.
      The art world is one snooty booty!
      Pardon for the late response.
      I’ve been over on my other blog, and have just come back here to reblog the Joni post Holly and I did on her blog.
      Also I drew a bunch of Tissot inspired gowns, and need to do a post on that!
      MUAH!

      Reply

      1. But Resa ain’t got no snooty, she’s got skills that are always on duty. She’s a force of nature in a sunflower dress with an eye for magic that we can attest!

        No pardons necessary. I ain’t the president 😉

        What other blog?

        Oh baby! I can’t wait!

        MUAH!

        Reply

        1. Awwwwwwwwww….. 💋
          I’m such a creative busy body, I can’t keep up with myself!

          My Street Art Blog (GLAM) – I was logged in there (haven’t even finished answering comments and visiting from my last post)

          Holly & I colab on the Rock legends posts. I do the art, she does the bios.
          I had finished a drawing of Joni Mitchell, and she posted the article.

          I like to reblog them from my Art Gowns blog. So, I came here to reblog.
          While I’m here, I’ve started roughing in one of my fashion show posts – (you know, Dale is one of my models).
          The drawings and outfits are inspired by Tissot.

          So, each of the blogs has a different email log in. I found if I log into both at the same time, it confuses WP. So, it’s one or the other, one at a time.
          Although if someone, like you, knows I am both…2 people in 1 …. I will comment on your blog in either life form.
          I’m glad I managed to clear that up. 🥴😖😱🤔

          MUAH!

          Reply

          1. We love the race you engage in with yourself, we love it a lot.

            What a team you guys make. Two artists, providing a beautiful gallery for all of us to dine on.

            I know it. I’ve seen Dale all gussied up, and yes . . mmm hmmm. You represent the girl so very well.

            WordPress is easily confused. And then they pass it on!

            Phew! 😉

            MUAH!

            Reply

  31. This is simply fascinating, Resa. I can easily see why you became captivated by Tissot and that beautiful photograph. I was surprised by the difficulty involved in creating the prints so long ago. The way society viewed things back then contrasts with how fashion is perceived today. I love the glamour of the gowns you design from recycled materials and the intricate details. They are as detailed as those from long ago, and they truly blow me away. I appreciate both the slim-fitting gowns and the fuller ones you create. Thank you for including the wonderful slides of the many pieces that demonstrate the challenges in printing the designs back then. Sending love and hugs, Joni

    Reply

    1. OMG!

      Joni!

      I’m so glad I’m checking comments. Crazy how many fall through a crack.

      Thank you for this lovely comment. I love gowns, and I love art! Together, I am in my own heaven.

      I hope you got my latest comment on your blog. I’m logged out of my other blog, so I’ll find out in a couple of days when I get back there.

      I look forward to your book arriving! I am quite excited about it.

      Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

      💜🐇💛💜🐇💛💜🐇💛💜🐇💛

      Reply

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