'James' (Jacques Joseph) Tissot: Transforming Pain to Paint

 Technique and Textiles

Today, 8th August, is the anniversary of the death of French Artist, 'James' (Jacques Joseph) Tissot (1836-1902). I saw the name, and cast around in my mind to see if I had any remembrance of him, or association from long-past art lessons at school. Wasn't he known as one of the 'chocolate box artists', like Renoir? Yes! Well, sort of. Born the son of a draper and milliner, it's not surprising that the folds and light captured by rich fabrics; costumes and extravagant hats were a feature of many of his early works; they are gorgeously lush.

(L) Self-Portrait, 1865 (R) The Tedious Story, 1872

 

Young Lady in a Boat, 1870

A Passing Storm, 1876

(L) October, 1877

I hadn't realized that after he'd made the (obligatory) move to Paris to study art, he came to England in 1871, where he was reunited with James McNeill Whistler, who he'd met in Paris along with Degas, and Manet.

While in London he learned etching techniques, and worked as a caricaturist for Vanity Fair.; able to eventually buy a house in St. John's Wood, where he made a very happy home with Kitty, his Irish Muse, who bore them a son. His family was a blessing he very much appreciated. But, it was only for a fairly short time. Kitty was ill with consumption, which finally claimed her life in 1867.

The Thames, 1867

Faith: From Pain to Paint:

The Annunciation

After Kitty's death, Tissot moved back to Paris, and revived his Catholic Faith. This is where 'chocolate box-style painting' turned to a series of paintings on The Life of Christ (from 1886-94), which was well received when shown in Paris (1894-5); London (1896) and New York (1898-9).

(L) Jesus Found in the Temple

He made 3 major trips to the Middle East to make studies/sketches of the landscape, customs, and people. Brooklyn Museum now owns these works. Quite an astonishing about-turn in painting style and subject matter; both styles, utterly beautiful. France, duly awarded him its most prestigious medal: Legion d'Honneur, in 1894.

Jesus Wept

(R) Peter and John Run to the Sepulchre 

(L) Notre Seigneur, Jesus Christ

Some scenes were used as reference material by Hollywood film-makers, notably, his painting of the Ark of the Covenant, for Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Below: Moses and Joshua at the Ark of the Covenant.

He died in the process of this series, based on scenes from the Old Testament, but the legacy he has left still carry his intent & passion.

Enjoy! Below: Angels of the Hours of Acts